Dear priests and consecrated people! Beloved brothers and sisters!

At this moment, when the worst scenarios are being realized, when martial law has been declared in Ukraine, I address you a word of comfort and solidarity. We all feel in danger, but we must not lose hope, let alone panic. Now more than ever, we need unity and mutual support. Therefore, I ask all priests and consecrated persons to be close to their faithful and not to leave the parishes. Our willingness to receive spiritual help through the sacraments can be a support and comfort to many people. Perhaps it is now that the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “Come to me, all you who labor under a burden, and I will give you rest,” become the meaning of our pastoral ministry, here and now. I also ask that, whenever possible, refugees or families whose homes have been affected by the bombing be given access to the parish premises. Do not hesitate to turn basements into a place of shelter, if they are available. Encourage people to help and care for each other so that no one around us feels left out. Please give special attention to the elderly, single and sick. They may need food or medicine, and we must take care of them. The time of war is a test of our commandment of love, which commands us to love not only ourselves but also our neighbors. Surrendering everything to God’s Providence and under the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our Patron Saints, and especially the Holy Archangel Michael, the Patron Saint of the Ukraine, being spiritually close to you, I bless you with all my heart: In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Image © Natalia Satsyk