Belonging to God and to the people in Ukraine

“AS I’m talking to you, for the last three nights we have been under heavy fire from missiles and drones and, unfortunately, another 50 people have died in the capital, Kyiv. It’s not an easy situation, but people appreciate our work and our presence is very precious to them. Belonging to God and belonging to the people are the most important things for a missionary, especially in a situation like this.”

These are the words of Fr Luca Bovio, the first ever National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Ukraine. However, since the full-scale Russian invasion of the country in 2022 and even before, Fr Luca—who was previously the National Director of the PMS in Poland—was organising humanitarian aid to Ukraine and also helping to resettle refugees fleeing the brutal conflict, so he knows just how important presence is. However, that presence is bolstered by people working together and fostering a sense of community, be that in the country itself or via the universal Church.

Care in the community

“The community is a great help while trying to live in a situation like this,” Fr Luca said. “Especially during the night when we’re under attack and we are in the shelter together. We keep each other’s spirits up and pray the Rosary together. Prayer is a real source of strength for me and others. Sharing our experiences, even in the midst of suffering, creates a sense of togetherness.”

To enhance that sense of community, this year, Missio Scotland is supporting Fr Luca and the Ukrainian people through the purchase of generators to be used in parish and social centres, located near the frontline in the city of Kharkiv, which is under constant, daily attack. Power stations there have been some of the main targets, meaning that electricity is either non-existent or rationed and so the aforementioned centres with these generators are vital. They provide a place for people to receive a hot meal, recharge phones, meet with loved ones and also for children to receive education and socialise.

“Cities live thanks to electricity generators,” Fr Luca said. “Their noise can be heard everywhere. Larger generators provide power to shops and hospitals, while the smaller ones power apartments for those who can afford it. We need some of new generators for the centres too. Often you’ll get whole families coming in, elderly people and soldiers who have lost limbs trying to enjoy some respite from the Ukrainian winter, where last year, temperatures dipped as low as -25.”

Scottish support

Fr Luca, fearing that a repeat of last year’s weather could have devastating effects, got in touch with Missio Scotland’s National Director, Fr Vincent Lockhart, to see if he could offer some assistance.

“I spoke with Fr Vincent and explained to him our situation and he agreed to help us purchase the generators,” he said. “This assistance is very important because with more electricity available the functionality of many things can be guaranteed. When people come to the centres for lunch, for clothes and humanitarian aid, they’ll have a warm, safe place in which to avail of such things. In autumn and winter, the temperature can drop very low. Last year, in January and February, every day the temperature was around -20 to -25 at night, and between -10 and-15 during the day. Most of the people who came to us didn't have electricity or heating in their houses and we were worried about this year being just as cold. However, the gift of these generators will counteract that.”

Faith matters

In spite of all the difficulties and challenges that both the Church and the people are currently facing in Ukraine, acts of solidarity such as Scottish support for Ukrainian projects coupled with strong examples of faith are important and cherished by Fr Luca as he carries out his missionary work.

“My life is dedicated to the mission and to Jesus Christ,” he said. “Especially at this time of my life, I really appreciate the mission as well as the importance presence. It fortifies me to be near to people at this time and I feel deeply missionary because I have opportunity to be near the people, to give them consolation, to share the Gospel, the Good News, with them. Through this experience, I have come to appreciate my vocation even more.

“And there are many stories of people’s faith that I could share with you. I met one woman whose husband is missing. They were married a year ago and went as a doctor to the frontlines. Nothing has been heard about him for the past three months. While this situation is becoming more and more common, it's not easy to survive this situation as you could imagine, with all the thoughts running through your head—is he dead or is he still alive? We try, through our faith and our prayers to provide consolation and they are consoled by it. They do find consolation in God, in their faith and through prayer.”

One family

That focus on faith and prayer was at the forefront of Fr Luca’s thoughts as he reflected on the support that has been received from Missio Scotland and its Scottish Catholic benefactors. We may be 2000 miles apart from one another, but he reminded us that we are closely united as brothers and sisters in Christ.

“I want to say thank you for your support, but not only thank you,” he said. “We are also praying. for you because we are one family in the Catholic Church. We are brothers and sisters connected by our faith in Jesus Christ. So, I pray for all benefactors and all people that in different ways help now Ukrainian people. The people in Scotland are among them so thank you very much. Your help is very precious and I ask the Lord Jesus to bless you all. Thank you for your faithful witness, your prayers, for your generosity and your dedication to share with others what you have. God bless you all.”

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