October 5-12, 2024

Fastiv, 5.10. – 12.10.2024

Praised be Jesus Christ!

We returned from Kherson late yesterday evening, this humanitarian mission was not long, but it was very necessary, maybe I will tell you a little later.

In recent days, the shelling of the city has intensified, there is destruction of infrastructure facilities, some parts of the city cannot be entered – this causes a certain tension and shows that aid cannot be stopped.

First of all, we responded to the request of our Friends from Ingulets, in particular the headman Mr. Ihor Lapin, who is an incredible person, a hero who defended Kherson in Lilac Grove, who took office at a very difficult time. At the beginning of the summer, he asked us to purchase a four-ton trailer to be tipped for their tractor. Since Ingulets constantly suffers from shelling, you will see several photos from this area, this vehicle is needed in order to dismantle the rubble and deliver the necessary emergency aid to people as soon as possible. It was incredible to watch during the transmission how it touched the mayor.

In Kherson near the front, our social kitchen and bakery continue to work, this week they baked more than 2,000 loaves of bread. We deliver it and lunches where they need it the most, where there is no electricity or gas, people are eagerly waiting for fresh bread and pastries. We thank the brave volunteers who help despite the danger, especially Mr. Andrii.

Our social laundry, which we opened with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kyiv, is visited by people who are unable to wash their things at home – these are also touching meetings. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon that many of the visitors lost their loved ones, some were left alone in the brutal reality of war, so social spaces are also an opportunity to meet and talk. We thank our volunteers for the warmth and communication they give to the residents of Kherson.

Thank you for your support to the Dominican Sisters from Zhovkva, Fundacja Sióstr św. Dominika, with your help, which allowed us to bring soups and goulash to Kherson. Thanks to the Dominican brothers from Warsaw, who donated furniture through Charytatywni Freta. This furniture will serve in our shelter for families affected by the war.

The collection of oak pellets for heating the shelter in Donetsk region in Druzhkivka is ongoing. Thank you for your great support, we have collected more than 68,000 hryvnias. We ask you to help us close the collection because the temperature will drop in the coming weeks.

https://send.monobank.ua/jar/8J2hnNqAVm

Thanks to the volunteers, acquaintances and friends who take care of us and remember us.

With a prayer for a just peace

Fr. Mykhailo Romaniv OP