Cardinal Krajewski in Ukraine: May this be the last Christmas of war
The papal chaplain celebrates mass in the town of Fastiv after opening a soup kitchen in the war-torn region of Ukraine.
By Kielce Gussie
Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the papal chaplain and the apostolic nuncio celebrated Christmas mass with the villages hard hit by the war. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski also inaugurated a soup kitchen in the town of Fastiv, 80 kilometers southwest of kyiv.
Pursue a mission
The mission of Cardinal Krajewski, pontifical chaplain, in Ukraine is not over. The new phase began with Pope Francis’ donation of a new medical van for the city of Lviv and 6,000 ultrasound machines for damaged hospitals. The Pope remains informed of the initiative and the situation in the country.
When Cardinal Krajewski arrived in Kyiv on December 23, Pope Francis called him. “He wanted to know how the mission was going, which, as we know, is somewhat dangerous,” the Cardinal explained.
Bringing Christmas to everyone
In the town of Fastiv, where 60,000 inhabitants live, Cardinal Krajewski and the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, were welcomed with a Christmas show hosted by local children. Many children came from the music school and are now orphans because of the war. They received teddy bears as Christmas presents.
Earlier in the day, the pontifical chaplain met elderly people in a “social house” as well as many sick people. He participated in a “merry Christmas custom,” which involves breaking white bread.
The house, the Saint Martin de Porres Center, is managed by the Dominican friars and it is there that “many refugees have found refuge” and “many volunteers bring food, coming from Kherson to other cities”. For nearly 20 years, the center has been a refuge for sick children, single mothers, the homeless and the elderly.
Let 2024 be the last Christmas of war
To close the day, Cardinal Krajewski opened a soup kitchen, which had been missing at the center since 2009. He stressed that it was of particular importance for the poor and refugees. Volunteers from all over, including Poland, come together to work at the soup kitchen.
The Cardinal expressed the Pope’s wish to share the message of Christmas with communities in war-torn areas. “We hope this will be the last Christmas of war,” he said, encouraging everyone to continue praying. “Faith and prayer can move mountains,” Cardinal Krajewski emphasized, “so if we trust God, this absurd war will end. »
Miracles of today
The papal chaplain reflected on the evangelical passage of feeding the 5,000 people. He recalled the words of Jesus: “Give them something to eat.” » He explained that the “you” is all of us, the whole Church, all the believers and all the people of the Gospel.
“This is what is happening in Fastiv,” described the Cardinal, emphasizing the generosity of the people. He stressed that every day someone brings bread, rice, pasta and meat and nothing is missing. “These are the miracles of today,” he explained. »