July 24, 2022
A Letter from Superior General Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R.
Dear Confreres, Sisters, Lay Partners and friends,
The date of this letter marks five months since Russian troops invaded Ukraine and began this war that continues to deeply impact not only Europe, but the whole world. Together with our Confreres, Sisters, and the people of Ukraine, we fervently pray for an end to this unjust aggression and violence which is destroying the lives of so many people.
On the frontlines of this war, many of our Confreres chose to stay with their people, especially those who could not flee, and to support them with prayer, shelter, food, and comfort. Others have welcomed refugees into our communities and homes in western Ukraine. Confreres in Poland, in Slovakia, and across Europe reached out to offer emergency supplies of food, clothing, shelter, and counsel. These heroic efforts to accompany our sisters and brothers in need have received financial and moral support of the Redemptorist Family worldwide.
Understanding that the needs would be great, and that this war could drag on for many months, I appealed to the Congregation to assist us with financial donations that we could use to respond to immediate needs of the Confreres, Sisters and families, as well as funds which could be set aside for the reconstruction which will be necessary in the future. ln consultation with the Provincial Superior of Lviv, as well as with the General Council and the Economato, we have designated all your contributions specifically to assist Ukraine and the victims who have been displaced.
To date, the Office of the Econome General has received 740,851.00 Euros. We have also sent 95,000 Euros directly to the Confreres in Ukraine. This money has been used for food, medicine, the purchase of a vehicle, and repairs to two of our houses so that they can offer shelter to approximately 100 refugees. By the end of this calendar year, we will be able to provide a more detailed accounting of the use of these funds. However, every euro we have received is dedicated to assisting Ukraine, and these funds are available as needed and requested by the Confreres.
These funds are only a small portion of the contribution of the Redemptorist Family to assist in this humanitarian crisis. Through NGO’s, direct contributions to aid agencies, and shipments of food, medicines, generators, clothing, and vehicles, the Redemptorist Family has contributed several million euros. Thank you for your compassion and solidarity which remind us that we are one missionary body. On behalf of the General Government, I thank you especially the contributions you have sent to our central fund.
Our Confreres in Ukraine are very grateful for the financial and physical support. However, they have asked me to express their gratitude especially for your communion and solidarity with them in prayer. Please continue to pray with and for our sisters and brothers in Ukraine, as well as the many refugees who have left the country, and the families divided by distance and borders.
May our Mother of Perpetual Help, St. Alphonsus, and especially, our Redemptorist Ukrainian Martyrs intercede for the Ukrainian people and a just resolution of this war with a lasting peace! May God bless our confreres, sisters, and people in their hour of need.
ln Christ our Redeemer,
