Pilgrimage to the tomb of Marta Wiecka in Ukraine
On 20th and 21st May, a pilgrimage of the Vincentian Family to the tomb of Blessed Marta Wiecka took place in the city of Snyatyn. We gathered about 200 people, from different parts of Ukraine – Harkiv, Odesa, Kyiv, Zakarpatje as well as different branches of the Vincentian Family. In Ukraine there are 9 branches.
The Vincentian Family gathered in Ukraine during the time of war, which already lasted more than a year. On Saturday evening, the first day of the pilgrimage, we glorified the Lord with common prayer and adoration. The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Leonid Kuklyshyn, Visitor of the Province of St. Cyril and Methodius of the Congregation of St. Vincent de Paul.
On 21 May, we began with the prayer of devotion of the Mother of God. Holy Mass was presided over by the Bishop of the Kyiv Zhytomyr diocese Vitaliy Kryvytskyi. The Holy Mass was attended by representatives of the local government.
All of us were filled with gratitude for the Vincentian charism, gratitude for the shining example of service with love that we received from Blessed Marta Wiecka. In our hearts we carried the wish that the horror of war would end and that peace would come. In our hearts we have brought much pain to the altar of the Lord: it is mainly the pain of mothers, women, children, the pain of soldiers, the pain of orphans and widows. The pain caused by this stupid war. We asked the Lord for the courage to live in such a time, we asked for the comfort of the Holy Spirit, because we want to fulfil his will and our Vincentian mission in Ukraine.
At the tomb of Blessed Marta Wiecka we gave thanks for all the help, which we have been receiving for more than a year from the different parts of the world, from the people who consent with us.
s. Marta Meshko
Sr. Marta Wiecka was a wonderful example of fidelity to the poor. She possessed a wonderful capacity for compassion that touched people hearts.
In the midst of this hellish war of Russian aggression, it is very touching to hear that the faithful rally together to find a common ground at the site of Sr. Marta’s ministry.
I recently read about another religious woman, Sr. Lucia Caram, an Argentinian nun living and ministering in Spain. She has made 18 journeys to Ukraine with the promise of more, and each time she brings back wounded soldiers and those seeking refuge from ward.
I join the confreres of the Province of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in thanking the many benefactors, both individuals and governments for the delivery of humanitarian aid. May we not forget those who are suffering and find means to assist them. May Bl. Martha intercede for the suffering and advance the prospect of peace. God bless the Vincentian family, confreres, Daughters of Charity, religious and the lay Vincentian groups for their witness to peace.