Visit to Ukraine
Fr. Józef Kapu_ciak, C.M.
Vicar General
P. Gregory Gay, C.M., Superior General made a visit to the Ukraine May 3-9 accompanied by Fr. Józef Kapu_ciak, C.M., Vicario General, who was his translator. The principle objective of the visit was to participate in the opening of the house of formation called “Gift of God” which was recently built in Kiev where the future members of the Vice-Province of Saint Cyril and Methodius will be formed.
The solemn Mass which preceded the consecration of the house “Gift of God” took place on May 5 in an open area of Kiev. Bishop Jan Purwinski, Bishop of the Diocesis of Kiev-Zytomir was the main celebrant. Three other Bishops, Bishop Ivan Iurkovic, Apostolic Nuncio in the Ukraine, Bishop Vitalij Skomorosvski, Auxilliary Bishop of the Diocese of Kiev-Zytomir, and Bishop Milan Sásik, C.M., Apostolic Administrator of the Diocesis of Mukacevo of the Byzantine-Ukranian rite, along with a large gathering of priests, the majority being confreres. Also present were many religious women who collaborate with the confreres of the Vice-Province (Daughters of Charity, Sisters of the Miraculous Medal, Sisters of St. Joseph, Missionaries of Charity of Mother Theresa) as well as Vincentian laity that came from many places in the Ukraine, and a group of benefactors from the United States, Canada and Ireland.
Alter the Mass and the consecration of the house “Gift of God” a meal was served to all those present and after that, there was an artistic program presented by many musical and vocal groups.
The days following the opening were busy. The Superior General had various informal gatherings with the confreres, with the Daughters of Charity, with the Vincentian Family groups, and with the lay benefactors of the Vice-Province. He was also able to attend a session of relations-testimonies about the service to the poor in the city of Kiev and the opportunity to visit the capital of Ukraine as a participant in a grand tour organized for those invited to the consecration of the new house of the confreres.
Making the most of the occasion, the Superior General on May 3 and 4 went to Charkov (Eastern Ukraine where he visited the social- pastoral center administered by the confreres of the Vice-Province of Saint Cyril and Methodius. There, he celebrated the Eucharist with them and had the opportunity to dialogue with the confreres of the house of Charkov, with the Duaghters of Charity and with some members of the Vincentian Family that work closely with the confreres.
At the end of the visit to Ukraine, May 8th, the Superior General celebrated a solemn Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Alexander in Kiev for the English speaking faithful.
Traslation: Arthur J.Kolinsky, C.M.
