Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM celebrates the establishment of an interprovincial community of Sisters of Mary of the Miraculous Medal in Ukraine

Today, 22 October, a new interprovincial community of Sisters of Mary of the Miraculous Medal in Ukraine was founded in T. Remeta (Perechyn District, Transcarpathia, Ukraine). The new community was established by Sisters from the Slovenian and Croatian Provinces.  This is an event we desired, prayed, and prepared for a long time. The Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM; the new Superior of the Vice-Province of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Father Jan Trzop, CM; the Provincial Superior of the Province of Croatia, Sister Kai Lyubas; the Provincial Superior of the Province of Slovenia, Sister Slavica Lesyak; guests and friends from Ukraine arrived for this solemn occasion. Mass was presided by the Bishop of the Mukachevo Diocese, His Excellency Antal Majnek, OFM.

The Bishop thanked the Sisters and expressed his joy at the establishment of a community of Sisters who want to help the poor and witness to the Gospel by their lives. He emphasized for the Sisters, the words of Saint John Paul II, so that they would not be afraid of difficulties: “Do not be afraid of difficulties. Do not be afraid to tackle difficult cases and solve them.”

In his sermon, Father Jan said: “… is God’s providence, it is God who cares about people, it is God who decides, not a superior, whether a community will be established here. It is really God who cares about you. The Sisters will work here and pray. This is an example of charity, so that you can learn the acts of charity and piety from them. That is the way God wants to take care of you.”

The Superior General, Father Tomaž, emphasized that Pope Francis, in this year of Divine Mercy, invites us first to feel God’s mercy in our lives, to feel the love of the merciful Father who is watching and waiting for us every day, and then to show our kindness to a neighbour. He is watching from a distance and waiting for those who will come nearer to him. This is how we experience the merciful God in our lives. Recall how many examples of kindness you have seen.

Today a house, where Sisters Yozhitsa and Ivanchitsa will live, was consecrated. They are full of inspiration and enthusiasm and are ready to take on the job. Although it was raining in the morning, it did not affect the mood – it is God’s blessing for good beginning.

In the evening, the guests had the opportunity to visit the Mount with the Way of the Cross, which was built by Mr. Stefan Valyo, a local businessman in 2001 (nine-meter oak cross, 14 chapel-stations, and the road around the whole mountain that connects all the stations). Now everyone has the possibility of coming and praying. From the very top, one can see the beauty of Perechyn and its environs. When it gets dark, the shadow of the Cross goes straight into the sky, to our Father, and a blessing from the Father comes back through the Cross of our Savior to us, his faithful children. It is difficult to describe in words. This Way of the Cross serves as an example that we should not be afraid to do good deeds, even if it is difficult, it is necessary to do them. God will always be with us and will help us in this.

May the good God bless this new community.