I Want To Share With You A Triumphant Letter I Received Last Easter

The letter is from Fr. Vitliy Podolan, OMI Superior of our ministries in Ukraine.

As Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, we stand by the people who gather in our churches. Some of our buildings have become refugee shelters, food and drug warehouses and bomb shelters. We continue to serve people through the administration of the sacraments, the celebration of worship along with moral and spiritual support. We collect humanitarian aid and then deliver it to our parishes, where it is distributed to the needy.

Among the missions cared for by the Oblates is the Shrine of Our Lady of Tyvriv. Our celebration of Easter there was very different. We were joined by about 40 of the refugees from other parts of the country that are currently living with us. Several of the ‘defenders of our homeland’ were also present for the services.

We began the celebration with Mass on Holy Thursday. In these difficult times special emphasis was placed on the traditional foot-washing ritual. On Good Friday there were several events: including a walk of witness with our brothers and sisters from the Orthodox church. We joined together in a common prayer for peace and victory.

Next came the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, which was led by Fr. Vadim Roadosh, OMI. In his sermon, he spoke to us of the importance of silence, suffering of Jesus and he linked it to the context of the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

On Easter Sunday, the Mass was led by Fr. Andrei Cancer, OMI. In his sermon he spoke about the importance of placing our hope in the Resurrection of the Lord. At the Easter Mass we also expressed our deep gratitude to each of you for your support in our ministry and for the support of those who had to abandon everything to save their lives and their loved ones.

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This Easter season, the Missionary Oblates want to help you bring triumphs to your loved ones and the needy we serve in our missions through prayer and giving.

Submit your personal prayer requests by March 24 so they can be lifted up in the Holy Land and at our two spiritual centers in the United States.

Please consider a generous donation in support of Oblates who are helping people triumph over tragedy in the United States, Ukraine and in 70 other countries.

In gratitude for your donation, you may have a special candle lit for you or a loved one. For $25, an Easter Votive Candle will be lit at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. For $50, a Resurrection Taper Candle will be lit at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. For a gift of $30, you may receive an Easter Blessing Rosary that features Our Father beads in the shape of a flower. The rosary also has pink and green marble-like swirl beads. The centerpiece is a Miraculous Medal.

I pray that you experience many triumphs during Holy Week and throughout the year. Please pray for our Oblates in Ukraine and know that every day they pray for you because of your generous heart.

Donations

Consider a generous donation to help the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Ukraine and around the world. Scroll down to view Easter devotional gifts.

Devotional Gifts

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Easter Votive Candle

Have a Candle Lit in Belleville

Resurrection Taper Candle

Have a Candle Lit in Jerusalem

Easter Rosary

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