The
Superior General, Brother Pascal Ahodegnon, paid a visit to Drohobyč, Ukraine,
from 23 to 26 January, accompanied by the Provincial of Poland, Brother
Franciszek Salazy Chmiel. This gave him the opportunity to express closeness
and solidarity with the Brothers and the entire local community, at a time
marred by the turmoil of war.
During his
visit, the Superior General met the four Brothers and co-workers who are
tirelessly operating in this war-torn land. Their commitment is devoted to providing
home care for the elderly and refugees, and material and moral support in a
situation of the greatest suffering. Their mission also includes supporting
local families and schools, which are vital places for keeping hope alive and
ensuring a better future for the younger generations.
One
highlight of the visit was a meeting with representatives of the local Church
and the municipal authorities. This dialogue led to the signing of an important
cooperation agreement, a symbol of mutual trust. Thanks to this pact, a piece
of land has been made available to the Order for the construction of a nursing
home to accommodate people in difficulty.
One of
the most touching moments of the visit was when the Superior General and the
Brothers met the young students of a school located in a remote mountain area, bearing
the brunt of the freezing winter cold. Thanks to the support of the Brothers,
these children were able to experience moments of joy and peace, forgetting, if
only for a moment, the harsh reality of war.
This
visit by the Superior General was a sign of hope for a community that is facing
the challenges of war on a daily basis. The Order's presence in Drohobyč,
bolstered by activities such as home care, support for schools and the nursing
home project, demonstrates how solidarity and cooperation can help build a
better future even in the most challenging environments.