The Redemptorists in Vienna (together with the Marienpfarre and the Clemens Hofbauer Committee) have been intensifying their aid measures for the confreres in Ukraine since the beginning of the war. In the last few days, 15.000 euros have been collected and transferred online as the first donation to the Redemptorist Province of Lviv; and further help is to follow in the coming days. Fr. Andriy Rak, the Provincial of Ukrainian Redemptorists, who himself completed his studies in Innsbruck, is “concerned about the coming weeks, as the war could intensify further”. He “thanks for all the help from Austria and also asks for prayers”. In this time of need and anxiety, Fr. Andriy observes the “great closeness and trust that people have in the Church.”
Care for the Anticipated Refugee Families
Fr. Lorenz Voith, the Rector at Hernals community, coordinates the Vienna aid measures for Ukraine. “In addition to financial help, we also would like to provide accommodation for the anticipated refugees in Vienna. We also intend to co-operate with other Church institutions. Through my visits and contacts with Ukraine over many years, this country with its rich Byzantine tradition has grown very dear to me. Western Ukraine is historically connected to Austria as it was part of the former Austrian monarchy. Over 20 years ago, students from the Lemberg (Lviv) province began studying in Innsbruck; many projects and mutual visits followed. In solidarity with the spirit of St. Clemens Maria Hofbauer (a European saint), we would like to render our help swiftly and intensively from Vienna.
Together with the Redemptorists, the Clemens Hofbauer Committee, the Redemptorist Parish in Hernals and other organizations are involved in this current relief effort. In every holy eucharist, prayers are made for peace.
Help for the Refugees
The Marienpfarre at Hernals, Vienna, has always been at the forefront to care for the refugees. In recent decades, the refugees from Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Syria/Iraq were helped with housing and sustaining for years.
Text submitted by Fr. Lorenz Voith, C.Ss.R.
