In Support of UKRAINE

When the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24th of this year all of Europe, and indeed most of the world, united in deploring the aggression of Russia in invading a sovereign and independent nation. Since that time, we have witnessed scenes of horror and devastation. Several millions of people have been driven from their homes, many fleeing to safety in countries throughout the world, including here in Ireland.

When a situation endures, as the invasion in Ukraine, there is a danger that the world spotlight grows dim, and a kind of coverage fatigue sets in. This would be a tragedy for the people whose lives are still very much in turmoil. We must not allow their ongoing plight to fade from our consciousness.

Just this week we saw the bombing of a shopping Mall in a town which is miles from the frontline of the conflict, and the shelling of an apartment block which took the lives of men, women and children. Such acts of savagery are hard to comprehend in 2022.

The silence of the Russian Orthodox Church is deafening; how any Christian leader can remain indifferent to such human suffering should be a cause of their shame. It appears that they are too enmeshed in Putin’s tyrannical regime.

Within Ukraine many have fled to the relative safety of Western Ukraine, and towns and villages are struggling to provide food and lodging for these unfortunate people. The Concert night in St. Marys on July 19th is a fundraiser for the Catholic Diocese of Chernivtsi relief fund.

We will channel the money through the Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Yofafat Moschych. Each day they are struggling to provide meals and shelter for several thousands of the displaced, and are desperately in need of funds.

Admission to the concert is free, and we will pass collection bags around for voluntary offerings for this very worthy cause. Why not combine an enjoyable musical evening with an opportunity to express concrete solidarity with the suffering people of Ukraine.

We hope you can join us on July 19th at 8:00 pm

Philip Curran
St. Mary’s Lucan