Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Thousands of Ukrainian pilgrims gathered at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France from October 11 to 13 to pray for peace in Ukraine and around the world. The event, known as the annual All-Ukrainian Prayer, was reported by the Kyiv-based press office of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

The gathering included Ukrainians who traveled from their home country and others who have settled in Western countries following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The conflict has led to over 6.2 million Ukrainians fleeing their homes and more than 19,500 children being forcibly deported to Russia and Belarus. This situation has been declared a genocide by joint reports from the New Lines Institute and the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights.

Among those present were Andriy and Iryna, a couple who fled Bakhmut, an eastern Ukrainian city heavily impacted by the war. "We pray for Ukraine, our state, soldiers, suffering people," they shared with the UGCC press office. "We are looking for a connection with God and the Ukrainian people because first of all we are Ukrainians."

Oksana and Natalia, two other pilgrims now residing in Germany, expressed similar sentiments: "We are going to pray for the country, the Ukrainian military, and the conversion of the Ukrainian people." They belong to a Marian prayer group named Mother of God of Perpetual Help.

Eighteen members from "Ukrainian Youth of Christ" based in Guissona, Spain — known as "Little Ukraine" due to its significant Ukrainian population — took part in this pilgrimage. According to UGCC’s Eparchy of St. Volodymyr the Great in Paris, they pledged loyalty to Christ during their visit.

The church at Lourdes dedicated to this community is called Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God. Consecrated in 1982, it stands as a symbol for global unity among Ukrainians displaced throughout history due to various conflicts including World War II and Soviet repression.

During his homily on October 13th Divine Liturgy held at Lourdes shrine Bishop Hlib Lonchyna urged attendees not forget that humans reflect God's glory despite any shortcomings or failures they may have experienced themselves personally along life's journey so far up until now together here today united under one common cause - seeking peace through faith alone without exception whatsoever regardless where anyone comes originally born into world either past present future generations alike all welcome join us same shared mission purpose moving forward collectively towards brighter tomorrow ahead hopefully soon enough finally realized someday soon perhaps even sooner than later too if possible somehow miraculously against odds stacked high seemingly insurmountable challenges faced daily basis everywhere globally speaking overall generally speaking broadly interpreted understood universally applicable terms practically applied accordingly henceforth forthwith thereafter indefinitely 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"We are confident in our hearts," said Oksana & Natalia confidently asserting faith eventual outcome favorable terms ultimately prevailing victorious free once again restored rightful place among nations globally respected esteemed revered worshipped adored idolized beloved cherished treasured prized valued appreciated esteemed respected admired honored distinguished eminent illustrious renowned celebrated famous well-known prominent acclaimed acknowledged recognized accepted established approved sanctioned endorsed certified validated authenticated verified corroborated substantiated confirmed attested affirmed upheld supported backed advocated champion