Salesians Accompany War-affected Population

For over 100 days, Salesians have been accompanying war-affected population

(ANS – Kiev – June 9, 2022) - “People fleeing the war are no longer arriving in as large numbers as they were a few weeks ago, and some are even returning to their cities. The war is now concentrated in the east, but we continue to welcome and take care of those who arrive. They need shelter, food, health, and psychological care; we also accompany minors by offering them the opportunity to attend school,” explains a Salesian from Krakow, Poland.

Global Salesian solidarity has contributed to alleviating the Ukrainian emergency with numerous initiatives of all kinds. Now that it is clear that the war will not end soon, a second phase of planning and projects to rebuild homes, hospitals, and schools in Ukraine is already underway.

Still, there is always a need for immediate and urgent help to cope with the emergencies that still directly affect millions of Ukrainian citizens, those still residing in the areas most closely affected by the armed conflict.

Don Bosco’s sons continue to distinguish themselves on this front as well, working for the purchase, transport, and distribution of basic necessities in Ukraine; the provision of housing, furniture, and utensils for refugees received in Salesian facilities; support for the maintenance of the displaced and refugee population; etc.

Among the dozens of Salesians engaged since Feb. 24 in alleviating the suffering of the Ukrainian population, two can be mentioned by way of example: Fr. Oleh Ladnyuk, who has always remained in Dnipro, and Fr. Hryhoriy Shved, director of the Vynnykah community. They visit regularly to accompany and encourage families in Lysychansk, Sewerodoneck, Herson, and Mykolajeh. When people need food or other materials, they bring them.

The two, both of whom belong to the vice province of Greek Catholic Ukraine, represent just some of the latest vectors of worldwide Salesian solidarity, which has involved and continues to involve thousands of people around the world, through communities, works, schools, oratories, parishes, volunteers, benefactors, etc.

Since the beginning of the conflict, more than 15,000 displaced people have passed through Salesian facilities. And more than 5,000 people continue to receive daily assistance in Salesian houses in Ukraine and neighboring countries.

Now more than 100 days after the beginning of the war, and as the world is slowly getting used to this new conflict as well – as it did for Syria, Ethiopia, Yemen, and the countless other forgotten wars still being waged all over the world – it may be useful to revive the appeal that Alexia, a young Ukrainian refugee currently taken in by the Salesians in Krakow, made to Misiones Salesianas, the Salesian mission office of Madrid: “Don’t forget about us. We’re grateful for all the help and prayers, but we left Dnipro two and a half months ago, and we just want it to be over so we can go home. After 100 days of the war in Ukraine, we want to be reunited with our families!”

Her words are the same as those of most refugee women and children. The city of origin and the date of arrival change, but the impossibility of understanding the war and the desire for peace do not.