Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Peace and wellbeing to you and your families. We are all witnessing the tragic armed conflict in Ukraine. The fear, violence and loss of life that comes with war surely does not please our God, who hold precious every human life.
I invite you to join me in prayer for the people of Ukraine, who now face a grave threat to their safety and their freedom from Russian invaders. We may be tempted to think that it is a world away, that it does not concern us.
But as the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. once taught us, a violation of human dignity in one place becomes a threat to it in every place. Our Ukrainian brothers and sisters join us as part of the Body of Christ, so we take up their wounds and suffering in solidarity with them in this moment of darkness. Let us also pray for all those in power, that they may experience a conversion that leads them to honor the dignity of every life and to depart from acts of war and violence in their decision making.
The impact of the war in Ukraine already has created great needs for those suffering in this conflict. Look for continued opportunities in your parish to contribute to the relief efforts already underway in Ukraine.
Thank you for your prayers and for your compassion in this time of peril in our world. May the merciful and loving spirit of Our Lord Jesus Christ light the way to a path of peace.
In Christ’s Love,
Bishop Alberto Rojas