«Serve one another in love»
From biblical foundations to active service of mercy. This is how one could describe the central theme of the three-day formation program for students of the Higher Theological Seminary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of the Roman Catholic Church in Vorzel, Kyiv Region, organized by the «Caritas-Spes Ukraine» Religious Mission.
On the first day, during a meeting at the seminary – which took the form of lively conversation, reflection, and the exchange of ideas – Caritas-Spes Ukraine staff introduced the seminarians to the Mission’s core principles. In particular, the executive director of «Caritas-Spes Ukraine», Father Vyacheslav Hrynevych (SAC), spoke about the origins of charitable ministry in the Church and the history of the Caritas community. CSU Program Manager Mira Milavets spoke about the main directions and areas of our work, highlighting specific examples of human stories that demonstrate how solidarity and compassion can bring people together, give hope, and change the world for the better.
Ms. Anica Djamic, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Croatia to Ukraine, who honored the event with her visit, shared her own experience and understanding of what Caritas is and what constitutes the true essence and depth of altruism. «For me, charity is inseparable from mystery. It doesn’t require many words, for God sees all, – noted the ambassador. – It’s important to know how to observe – first with the eyes, but best of all with the heart. We must remember human dignity. After all, it’s not just food that matters; it’s not only material things that play a role. Helping people doesn’t mean doing things for them. It’s important to preserve their dignity. To walk alongside these people. This requires patience. And that’s a more difficult mission. But God loves all of this in us. And faith helps us».
The project-based thinking workshop, led by KSU project manager Oleksii Khomenko, brought participants together to identify the social issues that concern us most in our daily lives and to discuss possible ways to address them.
On the second day – a practical day – the seminarians joined in the charitable activities of «Caritas-Spes Ukraine» In Kyiv, they helped prepare lunch at a soup kitchen and served it to those in need at several locations throughout the city. In Zhytomyr, they visited the «Caritas-Spes Ukraine» Community Center, where they had the opportunity to talk with internally displaced families and distribute Easter baskets (food packages) to people in need.
On the final, third day, Father Serhiy Kaganovych provided a closer look at the activities of Caritas-Spes Ukraine in the Kyiv-Zhytomyr Diocese, and the president of Caritas-Spes Ukraine, Bishop Oleksandr Yazlovetskyi, linked stories from the Gospel to the work of Caritas in his homily during Holy Mass.
«Very active, open, and sincere young people, – Sister Oksana Hrynchyshyn, project manager at the KSU, remarked about the participants as she wrapped up the event. – The seminarians deeply embraced this experience of service, generously sharing their emotions and their desire to continue on this path. It is truly heartening».
The seminary’s rector, Father Ruslan Mykhalkiv, expressed his hope that the initiative would continue and manifest itself in acts of mercy and kindness.
The event took place as part of the Pastoral Ministry project, which RM «Caritas-Spes Ukraine» is implementing with the support of Caritas Italy.
