Trenton Monitor March 2022 In Focus by Diocese of Trenton

MONITOR

THE

Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

Vol. 3 • No. 6 • MARCH 2022

MAGAZINE

Prayer Solidarity

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Illuminated in the colors of Ukraine, the Washington D.C. basilica affectionately known as “America’s Catholic Church,” offers a vivid example of the prayerful support expressed throughout the world for an innocent people under siege. This month’s IN FOCUS explores the faith response from the Catholic community, including here in the Diocese of Trenton, to the human tragedy unfolding in eastern Europe.

INSIDE... FROM THE BISHOP: During Lent, take time to consider meaningful changes LENT: Make the most of the season with prayer, fasting; local benefits to CRS Rice Bowl giving SYNOD: Listening Sessions are underway with help of technology, personal approach and intervention of the Holy Spirit

In Focus

U.N. nuncio joins others in calling for end to hostilities in Ukraine

A member of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine in Kyiv holds a weapon March 2, 2022, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. CNS photo/Mikhail Palinchak, Reuters

A woman becomes emotional as she embraces a youth at a border crossing between Poland and Ukraine in Medyka, Poland, Feb. 26, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine. CNS photo/Kacper Pempel, Reuters

BY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE UNITED NATIONS • During an emergency special session of the U.N. General Assembly March 2, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia said the Vatican joins other nations in calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and a return to diplomacy and dialogue. The archbishop, who is the Vatican’s permanent observer to the U.N., echoed the words Pope Francis said after the Angelus Feb. 27, where he expressed closeness with all who are suffering as a result of the conflict. He also reiterated the Pope’s message that it was “urgent to open humanitarian Rescuers in central Kharkiv, Ukraine, carry the body of a victim outside the regional administration building March 1. City officials said the site was hit by a Russian missile attack. CNS photo/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy, Reuters

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An aerial view shows a residential building destroyed by shelling, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues in the settlement of Borodyanka in the country’s Kyiv region March 3. CNS photo/Maksim Levin, Reuters March 2022

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In Focus

EPISCOPAL PRAYERS, SOLIDARITY SHARED WITH UKRAINIAN CATHOLICS Expressing prayerful support for the people of the Ukrainian faith community, both in the United States and in Ukraine, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., sent a letter Ash Wednesday, March 2, to Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukranian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. He assured the Archbishop of the prayers and fasting of the Diocese of Trenton offered that day for the cause of peace in Ukraine. “I remember with great fondness my visit to Ukraine during my tenure as president of The Catholic University of America,” he wrote. “May God protect and save Ukraine and its brave people! My prayers for you shall continue as you serve your beloved flock.” Additionally, the Bishop added his voice with that of his brother bishops of New Jersey March 3 in the following letter to the Archbishop. 149 North Warren Street ●Trenton, New Jersey 08608 609-989-1120 ● www.njcatholic.org

March 3, 2022

149 North Warren Street ●Trenton, New Jersey 08608 609-989-1120 ● www.njcatholic.org

Most Reverend Borys Gudziak, Archbishop-Metropolitan March 3, 2022 Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia 810 North Franklin Street Most Reverend Philadelphia PABorys 19123Gudziak, Archbishop-Metropolitan Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia 810 North Franklin Street Dear Archbishop Gudziak: Philadelphia PA 19123 In solidarity, we express our prayers and support to the victims of the odium and hostility that Dear fallen Archbishop Gudziak: have on Ukraine, including the families that have been separated, those fleeing for safer ground, especially children and the elderly. In a special way, we extend our prayerful support to In expresscommunity our prayersinand to the victims of the and hostility that thesolidarity, Ukrainianwe Catholic the support United States, who ache withodium helplessness for their have fallen Ukraine, including the families that have been separated, those fleeing for safer brothers andonsisters in peril. ground, especially children and the elderly. In a special way, we extend our prayerful support to the Ukrainian Catholic community in the UnitedMother States,and whoQueen ache with helplessness for their Through the intercession of Mary, Our Blessed of Peace, we ask that the Lord brothers sistersleaders in peril. guide theand world’s to work toward a swift and diplomatic resolution to end this war, one that ensures a minimal loss of life and the complete preservation of Ukraine’s independence. Through the intercession of Mary, Our Blessed Mother and Queen of Peace, we ask that the Lord guide leaders work toward a swift and diplomatic resolution endusthis war, one To usethe theworld’s words of Pope to Francis, “war destroys, kills, impoverishes. Lord,togive your peace!” that ensures a minimal loss of life and the complete preservation of Ukraine’s independence. Fraternally yours, To use the words of Pope Francis, “war destroys, kills, impoverishes. Lord, give us your peace!” Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Most Reverend James F. Checchio Fraternally yours, Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark Bishop, Diocese of Metuchen Cardinal JosephDavid W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. C.M. Most Reverend M. O’Connell, Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark Bishop, Diocese of Trenton

JamesBurnette F. Checchio Most Reverend Kurt Bishop, Diocese ofCatholic Metuchen Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic

David M. O’Connell, C.M. Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan Trenton Bishop, Diocese of Camden

Kurt Burnette Most Reverend Yousif B. Habash Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic Bishop, Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese Most Reverend Yousif B. Habash Bishop, Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese

Most Reverend J. Sullivan Rev. KevinDennis J. Sweeney Camden Bishop, Diocese of Paterson Most Rev. Kevin J. Sweeney Bishop, Diocese of Paterson

Representing the Archdiocese of Newark, Diocese of Camden, Diocese of Metuchen, Diocese of Paterson, Diocese of Trenton, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic and Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese

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Representing the Archdiocese of Newark, Diocese of Camden, Diocese of Metuchen, Diocese of Paterson, Diocese of Trenton, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic and MONITOR MAGAZINE March 2022 Our Lady ofDeliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese

Your Excellency, As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I write to express my own prayerful support and that of my Diocese for you, the clergy and faithful of your Archeparchy and Ukraine. We are honoring the request of the Holy Father that we devote our prayers and fasting today as we begin the holy season of Lent for the cause of peace in Ukraine. I will offer noon Mass in the Cathedral here for that special intention. I remember with great fondness my visit to Ukraine during my tenure as president of The Catholic University of America and my tour of the Catholic University you served so well there. I remain grateful to you for that cherished memory which has created a special bond in my heart with Ukraine and its people in these difficult days. May God protect and save Ukraine and its brave people. My prayers for you shall continue as you serve your beloved flock. Blessed Lent! Fraternally yours in the Lord, Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D. Bishop of Trenton Ministrare Non Ministrari

‘With a heart broken,’ Pope prays for peace in Ukraine BY CINDY WOODEN  Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY • Pope Francis said his heart was “broken” by the war in Ukraine, and he pleaded again, “Silence the weapons!” “Many times, we prayed that this path would not be taken,” he told people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the midday recitation of the Angelus prayer Feb. 27. But rather than giving up, he said, “we beg God more intensely.” With many of the people in the square holding Ukrainian flags, Pope Francis

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In Focus

Diocesan family shows love and support MARY CLIFFORD MORRELL  Contributing Editor

n the hours after Russia initiated an attack on Ukraine, as airstrikes leveled buildings and civilian deaths mounted, U.S. media shared an image of young Ukrainian children praying for their safety and that of their country. It was the kind of image that would be repeated millions of times after the late February attacks as the world was moved

to compassion and prayer on behalf of the innocent Ukrainian people. Here, in the Diocese of Trenton, more than 5,000 miles away, children also prayed for peace in the Ukraine from their religious education classrooms in St. Michael Parish, Long Branch. The same was true in Asbury Park’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. “We know that God listens to the prayers of little children,” said Theresa Craig, principal. That was the motivation for her

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students’ display of love for the Ukrainian people on Ash Wednesday, gathering in the shape of a heart on the church steps while holding up brightly colored sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine. Their prayers are added to those throughout the Diocese as stunned and heartbroken Catholics seek ways to show their love and support for their brothers and sisters in the Ukraine, as well as the more than 73,000 Ukrainian-Americans living in New Jersey. Parishes and other communities have posted visible signs of support through signs, banners, flags and shrines, while giving parishioners ample opportunities to lend support through prayer services, recitation of the Rosary, Mass petitions and Eucharistic Adoration. Collections of needed goods and funds are also being taken in many parishes, in addition to collection for the Church in Eastern Europe that was taken on Ash Wednesday. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., sent a letter of support and concern to Most Reverend Borys Gudziak, Archbishop, Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, as well as added his signature to a joint letter to Archbishop Gudziak from the seven Catholic Bishops in New Jersey. The letter was sent by the

for Ukrainian people New Jersey Catholic Conference. (The letters appear on page 16.) During the Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Bishop O’Connell shared the request of Pope Francis to recognize the day as one of prayer and fasting for peace in the Ukraine. The Bishop offered prayers for an end to the violence, a call taken up by parishes and the faithful throughout the Diocese. In St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Farmingdale, during a prayer service for the Ukrainian people that was part of the Ash Wednesday Mass, tearful

parishioners were moved by the homily and prayers. The response has led to both a monetary and physical collection of goods to support the Ukrainian community through the parish Social Concerns Commission. Father Yuriy Oros, a Byzantine Catholic priest of the Eparchy of Passaic, born in Ukraine, and administrator of Assumption of the Virgin Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Trenton, is scheduled to preach the homily for the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, March 12. Father Dave Baratelli, a bi-ritual Continued on 39

1. Husband and wife, Edward and Amparo Garcia, with sons, Eddie and Sebastian Garcia, and Diana Samarelli with daughters, Valentine and Mia Samarelli, hold candles during a prayer service for Ukraine held during Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Catherine of Siena Church, Farmingdale. Courtesy photo 2. This bulletin cover from St. Mary, Mother of God Parish, Middletown, shows a Ukrainian woman clutching the Eastern cross in prayer. Courtesy photo 3. St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, displays “Glory to Ukraine,” the oft-repeated phrase among the Ukranian people since the conflict began. Courtesy photo 4. Students in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park, form a heart on the church stairs holding images of sunflowers, the national flower of the Ukraine. Facebook photo 5. A Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help assists parishioners in the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold, in focusing on prayers for the Ukraine. Facebook photo 6. The Ukrainian flag flies on the flagpole at St. Michael Parish, Long Branch, on Fridays during Lent and on Sundays. Courtesy photo March 2022

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In Focus

Centuries-old Marian icon offers solace, protection amid horror of war BY CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS  Catholic News Service

s Ukrainians turn to their faith amid the ongoing tragedy of Russia’s invasion of their nation, many who follow both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions will look to an unusual icon of Mary as a symbol of the solace they seek. In some news photos, clergy are seen holding the icon, which depicts Mary holding a long piece of fabric in her outstretched hands. This sacred image is known in Ukraine and many other East European nations as the “Pokrova,” or the Intercession of the Theotokos, “mother of God” in Greek, a title for Mary used in both Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches. The Pokrov icon has its origins in a 10th-century Marian apparition that occurred in Constantinople, according to Sarah Cahalan, director of the Marian Library at the University of Dayton in Ohio. Orthodox tradition states that on Oct. 1 in the year 911, Mary appeared to St. Andrew the Fool for Christ during a vigil held at the city’s Church of St. Mary of Blachernae Church. The saint said he saw Mary spreading her cloak – some accounts say it was her veil – over  “She’s the the congregation as a symbol of her protection. At the time the city ultimate was under attack and according to mediator for tradition, after Mary’s appearance the attacking armies withdrew. us in times After the Pokrov apparition, the image of Mary holding her veil of trouble ...” or cloak became associated with protection from war and natural disasters among Eastern Christians, and Prince Yaroslav the Wise placed Ukraine and its people under the protection of the Pokrov in 1037. Cahalan noted the Pokrova is one of many Marian icons significant to Ukrainian Christians, both Catholic and Orthodox. Devotion to Mary is an intrinsic part of both Orthodox and Catholic spirituality in the Ukraine, according to Father Silviu Bunta, an Orthodox priest from Romania and professor of Scripture at the University of Dayton. He said churches of the Orthodox Church, the most common form of Christianity in Ukraine, have many titles for Mary, ranging from “Theotokos” to protectress and champion for people on earth.

Icon of Mary by Yulian Volyanyuk. CNS photo/courtesy Marian Library, University of Dayton

“She’s the ultimate mediator for us in times of trouble because she … can mediate for us in the heavens,” he said. “We in the Orthodox Church would immediately go to her in any time of distress.” Father Bunta said the Pokrov icon can often be seen on display in both Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches, and Orthodox churches throughout Eastern Europe celebrate a feast day associated with it on Oct. 1, with special prayer services and processions. Continued on 36

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PAPAL LENTEN MESSAGE Continued from 8

increasing inequalities and fundamental problems with economic and social systems. But, she said, “God believes in the Earth and cares for it in the same way that a farmer does not abandon his land,” so in his message, Pope Francis is inviting people “to be that fertile soil that creates the conditions for the seeds to grow” and create something “different from the present.” Italian Cardinal Francesco Montenegro, a dicastery member and retired archbishop of Agrigento, said bringing about these changes requires a different way of facing problems. People must not turn their back and believe someone else will take care of things but must know “each one of us can do something” and must look for where there is a need and see others as brothers and sisters, he said. Communities break down without this kind of loving concern and action, he said, and if everyone were to contribute, creating a “network of love, acceptance and mutual integration, then we will discover a more human world will be possible.” The full text of the Holy Father’s Lenten Message can be found in both English and Spanish on TrentonMonitor.com>Seasons and Celebrations> Lent, Holy Week, Easter

appeal for peace. The previous evening, he phoned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Vatican press office confirmed the call Feb. 26 but provided no details. Zelenskyy tweeted that he had thanked Pope Francis “for praying for peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire. The Ukrainian people feel the spiritual support of His Holiness.” The Ukrainian Embassy to the Holy See tweeted, “The Holy Father expressed his deepest sorrow for the tragic events happening in our country.” The call to Zelenskyy came a day after Pope Francis made the diplomatically unusual gesture of going to the Russian Embassy to the Holy See to express his concern about the war. Usually, a head of state would have an ambassador come to him.Pope Francis also had phoned Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych, the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, who remained in Kyiv with his people, taking refuge with others in the basement of Resurrection Cathedral and sending out daily videos of encouragement. As Feb. 27 dawned with people under a curfew and many still sheltering in basements and subway

stations, Archbishop Shevchuk promised that priests would be joining them underground to celebrate the Sunday Divine Liturgy. “The Church is with its people,” he said. “The Church of Christ brings the eucharistic Savior to those who are experiencing critical moments in their life, who need the strength and hope of the Resurrection.” And he called on anyone who could to go to Confession and receive the Eucharist, remembering those unable to go to services and, especially, the Ukrainian soldiers defending the nation. But also, he said, make a “sacrifice for those who are wounded, for those who are discouraged, for the refugees who are on the roads” fleeing the war. Speaking after the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis also remembered the Ukrainians in the bunkers and those fleeing the war, especially “the elderly, those seeking refuge in these hours, mothers fleeing with their children. They are our brothers and sisters for whom humanitarian corridors must be opened as a matter of urgency and who must be welcomed.” “In these days we’ve been shaken by something tragic: war,” he told the people in the square.

POPE: ‘SILENCE WEAPONS’ Continued from 16

greeted them the way they traditionally greet each other, “Slava Isusu Chrystu,” meaning, “Glory to Jesus Christ.” Pope Francis has continued to personally express his concern about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to 36 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he leads the Angelus by video link from the Vatican at the end of the closing Mass of the “Mediterranean for Peace” meeting of bishops and mayors in Florence, Italy, Feb. 27, 2022. CNS photo/Paul Haring 

March 2022

One who wages war, he said, is not and cannot be thinking about people, but is putting “partisan interests and power before everything.” One who wages war “relies on the diabolical and perverse logic of weapons, which is the furthest thing from God’s will, and distances himself from the ordinary people who want peace,” the Pope said. In every conflict “the ordinary people are the real victims” and they “pay for the folly of war with their own skin.” “With a heart broken by what is happening in Ukraine – and let’s not forget the wars in other parts of the world, such as Yemen, Syria, Ethiopia – I repeat: Silence the weapons!” Pope Francis said. “God is with the peacemakers,” he said, “not with those who use violence.”

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The Pokrova icon, because of its origin in a time of siege and war, would be a natural one for Ukrainians to contemplate during this difficult time, Father Bunta said. He said the icon would likely also be on display at any Orthodox or Catholic churches in the nation that might offer a special Eastern-rite service for people in crisis and distress called a “Service of Paraklesis.” Cahalan said the Pokrova is just one example of devotion to Mary in a country or culture after she has intervened during a time of strife. She noted that during World War II, there were accounts of Greek soldiers who reported seeing Mary holding a protective veil, an echo of the Pokrov apparition. “She offers protection and, when protection is not possible, she offers comfort to the persecuted and the marginalized,” Cahalan said.

PAPAL NUNCIO CALLS FOR DIPLOMACY

DOT CATHOLICS SUPPORT UKRAINE

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corridors” and welcome those who are fleeing and that it also was important to remember those in “wars in other parts of the world.” Archbishop Caccia said the Vatican appreciates those countries that have offered humanitarian assistance to those in need in Ukraine and in neighboring countries where Ukrainians have sought safety. He said the Vatican is convinced there is always “time for goodwill, there is still room for negotiation, there is still a place for the exercise of a wisdom that can prevent the predominance of partisan interest, safeguard the legitimate aspirations of everyone, and spare the world from the folly and horrors of war.” He said it was his hope the U.N’s emergency special session would help attain that end, noting the world body was founded to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” and “live together in peace with one another as good neighbors.” The previous day, Archbishop Caccia’s had a message for the virtual launch of an appeal and refugee response plan for Ukraine organized by the U.N.’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The Vatican welcomes the relief plan, the prelate said in a statement delivered by Msgr. Robert Murphy, deputy permanent observer at the Vatican’s U.N. mission. It pointed out that the number of Ukrainians crossing into neighboring countries to flee ongoing hostilities was fast approaching 700,000 and that number would likely increase. In fact, as of late March 3, news reports said about 1 million Ukrainians had fled their homeland.

priest who serves in St. George Byzantine Catholic Church, Newark, and assists in St. Rose Parish, made the arrangements, and explained that Father Oros will share insight about Ukrainian history and what the current conflict could mean for the Catholic Church in Ukraine. In St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, a shrine to Our Lady of Perpetual Help has been created to focus prayers for the Ukrainian people. Icons of this image are especially meaningful for Ukrainian Catholics who see icons as windows to heaven. Petitions for Ukraine and world peace are also being offered at each Mass. St. Mary Parish, Middletown, is using email, social media and pulpit announcements to encourage parishioners to visit the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel and pray for the people of Ukraine and an end to the war. The parish put the needs of the Ukrainian people front and center, when they placed an image of a elderly woman praying for peace on the cover of their church bulletin. St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, will remember the Ukrainian people with a Hail Mary to Our Lady of Victory and the Divine Mercy Chaplet before Mass. The parish’s sense of solidarity with those affected by the Russian-led aggression is displayed on the large sign outside the church. St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River, is holding Eucharistic Adoration and recitation of the Rosary for Peace, as well as a collection for Ukraine. Also at St. Michael’s, where a Ukrainian flag flies from the parish’s outdoor flagpole on Fridays in Lent and on Sundays, three sanctuary

candles were dedicated last week to peace in Ukraine. As in many parishes, a special prayer for peace was offered at Ash Wednesday Masses, and a petition for the Ukrainian people and their nation was included as part of the Prayers of the Faithful at all weekend Masses. In St. Hedwig Parish, Trenton, Father Jacek Labinski, pastor, said that a special collection will be taken up and Masses will be celebrated for the intentions of the people in Ukraine March 12-13. He noted that the Polish and Ukrainian flags will be hung in the church and parishioners will have an opportunity to pray before a painted image of Our Lady of Czestochowa, patron of Poland. The image will be brought to St. Hedwig Church during the week by Father

Karol Jarzabek, a Pauline priest and pastor of St. Stanislaus Church in Manhattan, the oldest Polish parish in New York. Father Labinski added that after each Mass, the parish recites “A Gift of Peace,” a prayer written by Pope John Paul II. In light of the continuing conflict, prayerful support is essential, said Father Baratelli, for a people who are “still scarred from previous conflicts not so easily forgotten. They have good reason to be fearful. We might ask ourselves, ‘What would I do?’ if this were happening where we live. It is a reminder of how precious the gift of freedom is.” For extended reporting on local support for Ukraine, visit trentonmonitor.com and click on NEWS>PARISHES.

WHERE TO GIVE TO HELP UKRAINE WASHINGTON • Various Catholic agencies are collecting donations to aid with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, as people flee to escape Russian bombing and shelling. Here are some places to donate. This list is not exhaustive. The international Caritas confederation is collecting funds to help Caritas Ukraine. In the United States, that is through Catholic Relief Services: https://bit.ly/3LWtOKa. Internationally, you can donate through https://www.caritas.org/. The Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia also has a link: https://ukrarcheparchy.us/donate. Two pontifical agencies also are taking donations for Ukraine: Catholic Near East Welfare Association, https://cnewa. org/campaigns/ukraine/, and Aid to the Church in Need, https:// www.churchinneed.org/. Internationally, Aid to the Church can be reached at https://bit.ly/3vfqCn4. The Knights of Columbus launched the Ukraine Solidarity Fund, and donations can be made at https://www.kofc.org/ secure/en/donate/ukraine.html. On Feb. 25, the Knights of Columbus announced a commitment of $1 million for immediate distribution to support Ukrainian refugees and will match all funds raised up to an additional $500,000. The relief funding will be used to provide shelter, food, medical supplies, clothing and religious goods, as well as other humanitarian needs. Donations can also be made to Jesuit Refugee Service at www.jrsusa.org to support the agency’s work in Europe “to accompany, serve, and advocate for those forced to flee from war and conflict.” The Salesians also are accepting donations to help refugees: https://salesianmissions.org/lp/ukraine-emergency/. By Catholic News Service March 2022

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