Like all of you we've been glued to the news watching the tragedy of the aggression toward the Ukrainian people. We've cried at the death and suffering of innocent people; we've sat stunned as we saw bombs falling and apartment buildings leveled. We've been blown away by the courage of the everyday heroes of Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have stood valiantly with faith and courage facing a relentless aggressor. And perhaps this is due to the Catholic and Orthodox roots of the Ukraine -- to the symbol of Saint Michael the Archangel, their protector, whose statue stands tall in the capital city.
A few days before Ash Wednesday Pope Francis made an unprecedented visit to the Russian Embassy with a message for Putin to end this war. The Holy Father asks all Catholics to fast and pray for its end. The pandemic began during Lent just two years ago and now we see war at the start of another Lenten season. Especially now, God is calling the world to conversion -- to repentance, to mercy, to fraternity and to trust. Please join all our brothers and sisters in praying and fasting for an end to this war. Let us join them through prayer, and remain alongside Christ as he ministers to our suffering brothers and sisters around the world. May the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St Michael the Archangel intercede for us all.
Sunday Church Bulletin
Blessings.
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