Dear Companions!
The news about the war in Ukraine has been a huge shock to all of us, causing great sadness and evoking concern for the Ukrainians who are suffering from the devastation this war brings. It is a horrible experience for Ukraine as well as for the whole of Europe.
As Christian Life Community in Europe, we feel called to respond to this reality with our prayer and compassion shown in concrete action to support the people in Ukraine and our CLC companions in the neighbouring countries. At the moment of writing we are still in the process of looking for ways to act, staying in touch with people in Ukraine and organisations such as Jesuit Refugee Service. Right now, however, we would like to invite you to take up some concrete proposals.
Invitation to prayer
Let’s unite in a short prayer for Ukraine every day at 8 pm (CET). You can use the the following Jesus prayer in Ukrainian language or the prayer for peace by Pope John Paul II.
Calls for donations
Two national communities approached us asking for donations for initiatives to support Ukrainian refugees.
- Since the beginning of the war a huge numbers of refugees from Ukraine have arrived in Poland, among them many women with children.
The Migration Group in CLC in Poland is in close cooperation with the Jesuit Social Centre in Warsaw (part of JRS network) that is supporting refugees arriving from Ukraine.
You can support the Jesuit Social Centre ‘In Action’ with donations via bank transfer in PLN, EUR, GBP or USD: https://www.wakcji.org/wspieraj-nas/#pll_switcher (transfer title: UKRAINA)
- CLC in Italy has offered to accommodate around 40 refugees from Ukraine in Sighet, a Romanian town on the border with Ukraine. CLC in Italy and its youth section (LMS) have been active in Sighet for 20 years with 3 foster homes for children and missionary camps. Sighet is a border town – the Ukrainian border is just 800 metres away . On Feb 24 Romania opened its borders to refugees and in less than 24 hours already about 3000 people have entered the country in Sighet. Around 800 people have remained in the city. CLC Italy, in cooperation with JRS, is collecting donations to get ready to accommodate Ukrainian refugees. You can find more information and bank transfer details here: Appello Ucraina 25 febbraio 2022 – CVX Italia (cvxlms.it)
- Jesuit Refugee Service in Europe is coordinating activities to support people who are staying in Ukraine as well as refugees arriving in different countries in Europe.
You can contact your local JRS if you want to receive more information about their activities and financial support: