“We Need Each Other”: Apostolic Nuncio Reflects on the Retreat of Catholic Bishops in Ukraine
From November 25 to 28 in Bryukhovychi, the bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Eparchy, along with the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, gathered for a joint day of spiritual renewal (retreat). This year’s instructor for the bishops was the Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas.
Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, photo from the archive
In a commentary to the UGCC Department for Information, Archbishop Visvaldas said that the traditional annual retreat of all Catholic bishops in Ukraine is primarily an occasion for communal prayer.
“The concept of a joint retreat for all Catholic bishops in Ukraine, held annually for the past 17 years, is centered on the opportunity to pray together and for one another. The ambience, concentration and prayer we had were very important even for me, as we could experience the prayer for each other and jointly,” the Apostolic Nuncio emphasized.
During the retreat, the bishops pondered the 10th chapter of the Gospel of Luke. “I began one of the first studies with a specific point of this text, which refers to how the Lord sends us into difficult situations, ‘like lambs among wolves’. This is an essential point for reflection, particularly on our demeanor in situations that demand wisdom, fervent prayer, grace, and deep faith,” said the archbishop.
Photo courtesy of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine
In the context of this passage, the bishops considered various topics. The most important was the closing theme of the joy of proclaiming the Gospel, particularly in times of war.
The Gospel states, “Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit.” According to the Nuncio, Jesus’ joy does not stem from everything aligning with human logic but from the proclamation of the Kingdom of God—His sole reason for rejoicing.
During a fraternal meeting held on November 28, the Catholic bishops of Ukraine shared their experiences, insights, concerns, and ideas for the future.
“In times of war, it matters to us, Catholics, to be united not only in our hearts but also through concrete actions and initiatives. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss which joint efforts can support Ukraine and its people,” the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine summarized.
The UGCC Department for Information
