The Voice of the suffering and persecuted​

Priests have taken on other roles besides that of shepherds of souls. “The presence of priests in churches is of great importance to people. Priests celebrate Mass, organize prayers, and strengthen the spirit. In addition to that, there are food packages, other essentials, and hot meals."

Several times during the night the sisters have had to take refuge in the basement; they sleep therefore in their habits and veils, so that they can run out of their rooms at any time. At night the whole convent is kept in darkness.

The Church in Ukraine is staying by the side of its people, despite the advance of the Russian killing machine.

Bishop Honcharuk speaks of great damage and many deaths in other parts of the city. The picture of the missile attack on Freedom Square in central Kharkiv went around the world.

“Christ is risen and has conquered death. He is with us, walks beside us and is our hope.”

“We have donated blankets and mattresses to a parish community that is organizing aid for those who are travelling on foot and waiting in the 25-mile long queue at the border."

A similar message comes from the Dominican sisters from Benguela, Angola. “We are Angolan and we know the horrors of war well, because we lived through such atrocities and felt their consequences in our own flesh.

“While evil has shown itself to be so strong, this has also exposed a lot of good. In a way, the evil we are experiencing also squeezes the good juice from the grape, and that good juice is our compassion, mutual support, and love."

“We don’t have time to be frightened. We are staying and helping the people to survive this situation.”

“What we all wanted to avoid has happened: Ukraine is in a state of war. ACN has supported the Church in Ukraine in the past and it will not abandon her at this very critical and difficult time."