The Diocese of Odessa-Simferopol, located in the southern region of Ukraine, has been severely affected by the ongoing war. Within the parishes of this Latin-rite diocese, 23 religious sisters are currently performing a heroic work of service for the suffering population. However, just like the poor and needy individuals under their care, the sisters themselves are facing ever-growing financial hardships due to the soaring prices of basic essentials. Thankfully, through the ongoing generosity of international benefactors, the foundation provided a contribution of 1,000 Euros each over the past year to help cover their basic living costs, an initiative that will continue alongside similar aid programs designed for other religious groups across Ukrainian dioceses.
Heroic work in the Diocese of Odessa-Simferopol
Sister Maria Jonasza Bukowska of the congregation of the Sisters of St Elizabeth, who is actively working in Chernomorsk to care for refugees, the homeless, and vulnerable elderly individuals, detailed the reality of their local mission:
“At the beginning of the war we decided to stay on here in order to serve the local people and our own parishioners as best we could. Right from the start, God has shown us how to help. Every day more and more people came knocking on our door. Some of them had already been coming to us for years, and we never sent anyone away empty-handed. But the war has only made the problem of poverty and the terrible soaring prices more painful than ever”.
The community expresses deep gratitude toward the benefactors whose kindness allows them to offer material relief and a sense of normality to those in despair. Above all, they find hope in the providential protection that has kept their convent standing, supplying them with the necessary daily strength to overcome structural fears, anchored in the belief that love is stronger than fear and stronger than death.
Solidarity and brotherly friendship in Balta
Furthermore, Sister Halina Gaura of the Sisters of St Vincent, who operates in Balta providing direct care for the needy, emphasized how vital this external partnership is for their survival:
“Above all in these so difficult times of war your support is of immense importance for us – for it gives a sense of your solidarity, brotherly friendship, and the hope and strength to continue our work of service in this place. May God reward your kind hearts a hundredfold!”.
The local Church continues to appeal to the global community to maintain its vital support for these brave and dedicated religious sisters working on the frontlines in Ukraine.
