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HREBENNE, Poland (LifeSiteNews) — Last week LifeSiteNews interviewed Bishop Marian Rojak of the Polish Diocese of Zamość-Lubaczów (pronounced ZA-moshch loo-BATCH-oof), in the village of Hrebenne. A Polish town on the border with Ukraine, Hrebenne has played host to hundreds of Ukrainian refugees so far. The interview, which was conducted by Tim Jackson, took place in Polish with the help of an interpreter.
LifeSiteNews: In what way is the Catholic Church in Poland responding to the situation in Ukraine?
Bishop Rojak: The Church is responding in three ways. First, she is responding in a spiritual way, through prayers, giving hope, such spiritual supports. Second, she is responding in a personal manner. That means that she is supporting people, giving them hope. The Church stands with them and prays with them. And third, there is material aid—helping with material gifts, collections, some money. But it also means helping these people here find a safe place for their families and friends. She doesn’t leave them on their own.
LifeSiteNews: Have you ever seen anything like this before?
Bishop Rojak: No, I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve never seen anything on such a scale as there is here.
LifeSiteNews: You must be very proud of the way Catholics and Polish people in general have responded.
Bishop Rojak: I’m happy that people of faith, Poles, are responding in such a beautiful way. They are committed, and they are coming [to help]. Those who are inspired to volunteer have left behind their responsibilities and jobs. They come here day and night, bringing love, money, whatever is needed.
We must pray for peace at this time where war has broken out between Russia and Ukraine.
This sudden escalation in hostilities, since Russia declared support for the independence of two ethnic-Russian parts of Ukraine, is tragic.
We must pray for an end to the armed conflict and that it does not devolve into world war.
Please SIGN this PRAYER PLEDGE FOR PEACE, and pledge to pray for peace in Ukraine now.
Thousands have already died, lost homes and are suffering the ravages of war. The only real peace comes from Jesus Christ and in Him alone can we find truth and true peace.
Thank you for SIGNING and SHARING this PRAYER PLEDGE FOR PEACE.
*To fulfill your pledge, please recite any prayer of your choosing, like the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Gloria, the Holy Rosary, or any prayer in your own words, to God for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
**Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com
LifeSiteNews: And what would you say to Catholics in other countries? How can they help?
Bishop Rojak: We must keep in mind that we are beginning Lent. That has three dimensions: prayer, almsgiving, fasting. Let us pay attention to this. In our prayers we should support those who are in Ukraine, who are fighting for freedom and independence for their homeland. Let us also support those who are seeking safety and freedom, above all mothers, children, the sick, and the elderly. Next, we should support these people with our almsgiving, with real material gifts. Let us share; this is mercy. And also by fasting, that is, by undertaking certain tasks. The point is that with our asceticism, our abstinence, we should be able to notice and give support to those who need it.
Help Ukrainian refugees escape: LifeFunder