On November 12, the prior provincial of the Polish Province, Wiesław Strzelecki travelled to the friary of Volodymyr-Volynskyi in Ukraine to celebrate the feast of St Josaphat. The homily for the Mass was delivered by the bishop of the Greek Catholic Church, who concelebrated with the local priests.
The priests of his Church and the bishop of the Orthodox Church in Kiev attended the Mass. At the end of Mass, the provincial thanked Fr Lech Koszlaga and Br Jan Rafiński for their self-sacrificing service in Ukraine, especially during this time of war. They have chosen to remain with the people instead of returning to Poland.
The mayor of Volodymyr Volynskyi thanked the Polish provincial for the aid for the people that has continued to flow into the area from from Poland. Carmelite houses and ministries from around the world have participated.
After the liturgy, all those present went to the altar of St Josaphat, where they prayed for peace and honored the martyr's relics.
On November 13, the prior provincial met the parishioners, who had gathered for prayer in the Carmelite church in Volodymyr Volynskyi. During the Eucharist, he prayed for peace in war-torn Ukraine.
The Polish province has two foundations in the Ukraine. Besides Volodymyr Volynskyi, the Carmelites are ministering in a parish at Sasiadowice.
Picture Captions:
Picture 1: A altar of remembrance for those from Włodzimierz Wołyński and the surrounding area who have died in the current war.
Picture 2: Relics of St. Josaphat.
Picture 3: (left to right) Fr. Wiesław Strzelecki and Br. Jan at the Greek Catholic church. The inscription on the plaque is about St. Josaphat.
Picture 4: The Polish prior provincial, Wiesław Strzelecki with the Greek Catholic bishop.
Picture 5: (from left) Fr. Karol Amroż, O. Carm., Fr. Wiesław Strzelecki, O. Carm., and Br. Jan Rafiński, O. Carm. Br. Jan has been working in Ukraine for 10 years.
Picture 6: A tribute to those from Włodzimierz Wołyński who have died in the current war.
Picture 7: (left to right) Father Wiesław Strzelecki, Father Lech Koszlaga, O. Carm., and Father Karol Amroż, O. Carm. Fr. Lech has been living and working in our monastery in Ukraine for 33 years. He is holding the relics of St. Josaphat.
