Archbishop Lori visits Ukraine, praises resiliency of people in war-torn nation October 20, 2024By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Knights of Columbus, Local News, News, War in Ukraine Archbishop William E. Lori concelebrated Mass Oct. 19 at the Cathedral of St. Alexander of Kyiv. Archbishop William E. Lori prays at a memorial in Bucha near the mass grave at the Church of Andrew the Apostle. Bucha is the site of a massacre by Russian Armed Forces. Hundreds of civilians, including children, were killed in the war crime. (Courtesy Jenny Kraska) “The resilience of the Ukrainian people is nothing short of extraordinary,” Archbishop Lori said in his homily. “Your courage, faith, and perseverance in the face of war remind us that God’s grace is with us. “Just as Christ walked with the suffering, He walks with you now. He is present in the courage of those defending their homeland, in the prayers of those who seek peace, and in the hands of those offering aid and comfort.” Joining Archbishop Lori were Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi of Kyiv-Zhytomyr, Bishop Mykhaylo Bubniy of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archiepiscopal Exarchate of Odessa and the Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, principal celebrant and Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine. Several members of local Knights of Columbus chapters attended the Mass with their families. After Mass, Archbishop Lori traveled Kyiv suburb of Bucha, the site of an atrocious war crime. Here, Russian armed forces murdered hundreds of innocent civilians, including children. The visit crystallized the brutal reality of the war in Ukraine while also showing the strength and spirit of hope in Bucha. The Archbishop heard directly from families who lived through this massacre. The Knights provided coats to children whose fathers were murdered The delegation also went to the church of Andrew the Apostle where a mass grave was dug to bury the dead of Bucha. Archbishop Lori prayed at the memorial on the site to commemorate those whose bodies were discovered. Later that evening, Archbishop Lori attended a gathering hosted by the Knights of Columbus for widows and orphans. He spoke to them about the great care Blessed Michael McGiveny provided for those who suffered with similar loss. “For those of you who have lost loved ones, who are carrying the heavy burden of grief and loneliness, Blessed McGivney’s life speaks to you,” Archbishop Lori said. “He reminds us that we are called to hope — not a blind hope that ignores the reality of suffering but a Christian hope that looks beyond it. This hope sees the Cross of Christ as a sign that God is with us in our pain, and that through the Cross, we are led to resurrection and new life.” Arhcbishop Lori was joined by Bishop Mykhaylo Bubniy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archiepiscopal Exarchate of Odessa. Bishop Bubniy led those gathered in a decade of the rosary followed by a reception in the church hall. Archbishop Lori spent the evening listening to the stories of women who had lost husbands, sons and brothers. Read More Local News U.S. bishops’ upcoming assembly in Baltimore expected to look at lay ministries, hold key committee elections Some Seek the City parishes in Baltimore celebrating Masses of thanksgiving and remembrance Nancy Grasmick to lead search committee for new superintendent IND alumnae association continues to give back to community D-A-N-G-E-R: Ouija board, whose history is deeply rooted in Baltimore, isn’t innocent fun Applications open to Loyola’s Baltipreneurs Accelerator Copyright © 2024 Catholic Review Media Print
U.S. bishops’ upcoming assembly in Baltimore expected to look at lay ministries, hold key committee elections