The Pallottine Fathers have been working in Western Ukraine since 1993. They run two parishes, in Bilohirja
and in Yampol. The parish of Bilohirja also has a children’s home which is run by religious sisters. Once the war began on 24 February 2022, their work has multiplied enormously. Since then, all in all, 500 refugees have been given shelter in the parish of Bilohirja and currently 17 remain there. Father Pawel Goraj, the parish priest explains:
“These are women and children who have fled the horrors of war. Ministering to these people demands a great deal of time and personal commitment on our part. We are helping these people in a variety of different ways, which also involve frequent car journeys with them.” In addition to this, since the war began, Father Goraj has also been involved as a chaplain with the Christian ambulance service. The parish is in urgent need of a car – not only for the work of the children’s home and the pastoral work generally, but also because Father Pawel now regularly drives to the war regions to help the needy people there with the most basic necessities.
Without a car, Father Pawel simply cannot do this work. Given the poor road conditions, the weather, and the heavy
loads he is always carrying, he needs a robust and sturdy vehicle. ACN wants to support the parish to purchase a new vehicle to enable them to continue their urgent and important work of mercy with those most hard-hit by the war.
