The visit of the Redemptorist Ukrainian Bishops to the Community of St Alphonsus in Rome took place on the 10th evening. The meeting between the Redemptorist Ukrainian Bishops and their confreres at the Community of St Alphonsus was a truly memorable encounter when Fr Andrzej Wodka, C.Ss.R. welcomed them with open arms. The confreres were eager to learn from their Ukrainian counterparts and engage in meaningful discussions about their shared mission and calling.
During their time together, the bishops shared their experiences about the ongoing synod of the Ukrainian Bishops from the 3rd to the 13th of September. One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity for the Redemptorist Ukrainian Bishops to pray in the community chapel singing a song to Mary. The sacred atmosphere created a space for reflection and contemplation, allowing them to connect with the divine in a profound way.
Another significant aspect of the visit was the opportunity for the Redemptorist Ukrainian Bishops to pray in the Shrine dedicated to our Mother of Perpetual Help. They offered their prayers and intentions, seeking guidance and inspiration to carry out their episcopal duties with unwavering faith and devotion. This experience served to strengthen their resolve to follow in the footsteps of the Redeemer and continue their mission as Redemptorists.
Synod of Hope in Times of War – An interview with Msgr. Bryan Bayda CSsR and Msgr. Mychola Bychok CSsR
During their visit, the Redemptorist Ukrainian Bishops had the opportunity to participate in an interview conducted by Fr Sanjay Tirkey in the Scala Studio. This interview offered a platform for the bishops to share their insights and reflections on their ongoing synodal meeting with the Pope and the situation in Ukraine.
Msgr Stephan Menjok, Bishop of Donetsk, Ukraine, shared his experiences and hopes, particularly regarding the two Redemptorist priests who have been held captive since last November. He also expressed his hope that one day he will be able to return to his exarchate (video below in Ukrainian, with English subtitles).
To further strengthen the bonds of fellowship and celebrate their unity in faith, a fellowship meal was organized in the beautiful garden of the Community of St Alphonsus. This meal provided an opportunity for the Redemptorist Ukrainian Bishops and their confreres to come together in a more relaxed setting, sharing stories, laughter, and delicious food.
As they sat around the table, the bishops and confreres engaged in conversations that deepened their understanding of each other’s cultures and traditions. The visit of the Redemptorist Ukrainian Bishops to the Community of St Alphonsus served as a reminder of the universal nature of the Catholic Church and the importance of building bridges across different cultures and traditions as Redemptorist confreres.
Scala News
