War in Ukraine: Cardinal Parolin will preside over celebration with Ukrainian Catholics of the Latin rite

In the midst of the painful war between Russia and Ukraine, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, has been appointed by Pope Francis to carry out a visit of great spiritual and pastoral significance for Ukrainian Catholics of the Latin rite.

In a letter dated July 13, 2024, the Pope appointed Cardinal Parolin as Pontifical Legate for the final celebration of the national pilgrimage at the Marian Shrine of Berdychiv. This celebration, scheduled for July 21, 2024, marks a moment of hope amid the devastation of war, which began with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Pope Francis, in his letter written in Latin, highlighted the importance of this sanctuary that “for about four centuries Catholic faithful of the Latin rite from various regions of Ukraine and neighboring places have been coming on pilgrimage.”

In this context, the pilgrims, before the venerated image of the Mother of God, “confidently set out on their pilgrimage, especially in this disastrous and very sad time due to the fury of war, to ask with one voice for the long-awaited gift of peace.” to the sweetest Virgin Mary,” he added.

After 28 months of war, the magnitude of humanitarian needs is considerable. According to the UN, more than 32,000 civilian casualties have been recorded, including 11,000 deaths, although the true figure is probably much higher. Furthermore, 30% of the jobs that existed before the conflict have been lost and poverty has increased from 5% to 25%. In 2024, more than 14.6 million people, or 40% of the population, will need humanitarian assistance.

Cardinal Parolin will not be alone in this mission, he will be accompanied by Fr. Don Ruslan Mykhalkiv, rector of the Seminary of the Diocese of Kyiv-Zhytomyr, and Fr. Don Andriy Lehovich, secretary of the Archbishop of Lviv of the Latins.

The letter calls for peace, urging participants to “implore with fervent prayers to the Queen of Peace for an end to the war in Ukraine and everywhere in the world.”

Pope Francis highlighted the humility of the Virgin Mary as an example to follow, stating that she “stands out in the world and in the Church as an incomparable teacher of peace throughout all generations.”

Above the Marian Sanctuary of Berdychiv

According to the letter, the temple located in the city of Berdychiv obtained the status of a national shrine in 2011 and is administered by the Order of the Barefoot Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel.

For about four centuries, thousands of Latin rite Catholic faithful from various regions of Ukraine and neighboring places have come to the place to venerate the image of the Virgin Mary.