From January 27 to February 15, 2024, Sr. Angela Marie Mazzeo, Superior General, together with Sr. Lucyna Frączek, General Treasurer, were in Ukraine for a general visitation. It was a time of sharing faith and experience, encountering, praying and talking with each community and each Sister working in this country currently experiencing the tragedy of war.
The Sisters also had the opportunity to meet with parishioners, priests and families of displaced persons from the occupied territories, whom the Sisters helped, thanks to the donations of so many people. Listening to their tragic stories, they were able to touch the wounds still inflicted by war, evil and hatred.
Speaking about her stay in Ukraine, Sr. Angela Marie stressed that this time also allowed to experience in a very concrete way that “where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Romans 5:20). Sisters from the St. Michael the Archangel’s Region have learned to rely more on the Lord, recognizing His Providence, and being more available for His plans and the needs of others as they arise. Among the Sisters, there is also a stronger realization of how their lives are in God’s hands and that our only real refuge is the Lord. This current reality, which is certainly one that is rooted in the Cross, is also an opportunity to go beyond normal human responses, and with eyes of faith, seek out chances to be instruments of peace, witnesses to reconciliation, and above all bearers of God’s love.
