Bishop joins in liturgy to pray for peace in war-torn country

PERTH AMBOY — Unified only by their prayers and faith, their city, and the blue and yellow ribbons on their school uniforms proudly displaying the colors of the Ukrainian flag, the students and faculty members from Ukrainian Assumption Catholic School and Perth Amboy Catholic School, gathered in a prayerful response to the humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine.
 

With Bishop James F. Checchio present and Father Ivan Turyk, pastor, Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, presiding, the students stood side by side at the March 3 Divine Liturgy at Church of the Assumption and prayed for peace in Ukraine.
 

“We have certainly been through a tough period,” Bishop Checchio said, addressing the students from beneath the shimmering gold dome of the church. “First, the pandemic turned everything upside down and caused great suffering and loss. Now, on top of that, we have this aggression in Ukraine. It is heartbreaking to watch the news and to see what is happening there, as we watch mothers and children fleeing and becoming refugees, and as we watch young men and even older men taking up arms to protect their family and their homeland.”
 

Solemnly acknowledging the struggles caused by the pandemic and the challenges now being faced in Ukraine, Bishop Checchio reminded the students that one thing never changes, even amidst the difficulties in life: our friendship with Jesus Christ.
 

“The Holy Spirit was sent to be present with us until the end of time, and the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist nourishes us, strengthens us, and fortifies us for the challenges that we do face, so do not ever take it for granted. Remind yourself each day of the presence of our loving God with us,” said the bishop. “No matter what we are facing, we have someone who loves us always and who is with us always and protects us.”
 

The liturgy was the latest in a series of diocesan efforts to support Ukrainians, both those in the war-torn country and those around the world, including those in the diocese who are left to worry about their loved ones and their home country from afar. The day before, on Ash Wednesday, heeding the call by Pope Francis to participate in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine, all parishes and schools in the diocese were asked to pray the rosary. In solidarity with the Ukrainian people, students and faculty of Assumption Catholic School prayed the rosary in English and Ukrainian and a recording of their prayer was shared with all parishes and Catholic schools in the diocese for the universal day of prayer and fasting.
 

Bishop Checchio also asked parishes in the diocese to participate in a special Collection to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, which will allow the faithful to provide assistance to the victims of war in Ukraine and many other projects the collection supports in the region, especially with refugees entering Poland and other countries.
 

Anyone wishing to support to the collection is invited to donate online by visiting: diometuchen.org/Ukraine.
 

“On behalf of the Diocese of Metuchen, we are united with you at this time and with the people of Ukraine,” Bishop Checchio said, speaking to Father Turyk, the religious sisters, and the many students and faculty members who have family and friends still in Ukraine. “We are united in prayer and we are storming heaven for peace in Ukraine.”