Thank you for your part in the extraordinary giving to the Collection
for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, especially last year in
response to the crisis in Ukraine and the surrounding countries. That
generosity has allowed our office to send critically needed aid to
dioceses/eparchies in Ukraine. Let me share with you some of the
messages I have received in recent weeks from the bishops, priests, and
religious who are serving those who have lost their homes, livelihood,
and even loved ones:
From the Diocese of Lutsk (in the northwest of Ukraine):
_We want to thank you the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for
support and for the opportunity to experience when fear changes into
hope. We experience the events of the war, but it is a huge gift for us
to be united in the Church, with God, peers, and in families. This helps
us to believe in Love and Goodness, which death cannot defeat. _
From Diocese of Odessa (on the Black Sea):
_Thank you so much for being with us in your heart… It’s true, we
awake in the nights from explosions and it’s scary. It’s a chance to
pray more fervently. It’s also a trial for our faith but God is with us
and He protects us. _
From the Archeparchy of Ivano-Frankivsk (in Western Ukraine):
_We are grateful to God and to people with sensitive hearts like yours,
who helped us to support people who have become victims of war. We
sincerely thank you for the help you provided us. God bless all of you!
___
From the Eparchy of Kamianets-Podilskiy (in Western Ukraine)
_Your support provided 360 IDPs [Internally displaced persons] with hot
meals. Together, we created a common table that served more than food.
Your kindness gave them a sense of security, love, and belonging. You
touched hearts with psychological support, healing hidden scars. Thank
you for everything you do._
May these words from the Church in Ukraine assure you of the sincere
gratitude of our brothers and sisters in that war-torn land, and the
far-reaching effects of generosity. Thank you once again for being a
part of the response to the crisis, and for bearing witness to a
community of believers who are _of one heart and mind_ (Acts 4:32).
Let us continue to pray for peace!
