The Oliver-Hoffman Foundation and members from a Marian parish, St. Mary’s in Plano, Illinois, have also shipped more than eight pallets. The urgent need is ongoing. “We need donations to buy essential medical supplies, air cargo space, and humanitarian aid, but we also need everyone to pray,” Nurse Marie said. “I’ve tried to alternate one Chaplet, one Rosary for Ukraine, for Russia, for everyone impacted by the conflict.” Facing familiar challenges When the Russian army invaded Ukraine, the Marian Fathers were confronted with a very familiar set of challenges. This is the Congregation, after all, that was founded by St. Stanislaus Papczynski (1631-1701) just after the Deluge, a whole series of invasions of the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth in the 17th century. Concurrent with that, plagues were sweeping the region repeatedly, all helping to contribute to St. Stanislaus’ deep concern for praying for the dead. More recently, the Congregation dwindled down to a single member as the result of repressive Russian imperial measures designed to eradicate Catholic religious orders in lands under control of the Czar. During the Cold War, the Congregation again faced existential challenges at the hands of the communist regime operating out of Moscow. The Ukrainian forces fighting for their country now see the spiritual context of the current struggle, one reminiscent of Russian invasions past, said Fr. Wojtek. “They consider the attack of the Russians as a diabolic one,” he explained, “especially in Mariupol, which is the ‘City of Mary.’ For them, it’s like the attack of Satan on the Blessed Virgin Mary.” If Ukrainian soldiers come to the Marian Fathers’ parishes or ministries, he went on, “of course they receive the help which we can provide — food, medicine — and also they are asking for Rosaries and pictures of the Merciful Jesus and St. Stanislaus Papczynski, whom they consider their patron. They ask for a blessing before they go to fight. So people see very clearly that there is also a very heavy spiritual battle which is going on in Ukraine right now.” The Congregation, with the support of the Marian Helpers and their Marian apostolates, will face this new set of challenges, lovingly minister to the victims of the conflict, and remain steadfast in service to Christ and His Church, all under the mantle of Mary Immaculate. Visit Marian.org/Ukraine to make a donation for Ukraine relief. One hundred percent of donations are used to help cover the cost of humanitarian and medical assistance for Ukraine and for refugees in Poland. 6 Marian Helper • Summer 2022 • Marian.org
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