Forty Days

In East Europe exist some deep tradition to celebrate 9-th and 40-th day after someone's death. It is local tradition inspired by memory of Jesus appearance to Apostles and his last meeting on the mountain the day of Ascension. In our Ukrainian life first people was se deeply touched by John Paul II burial. There was big TV translation and many kind gestures from both Catholics, Orthodox, even unbelievers. Such time in my parishes people was venerating Czestokhova Icon, which according Pastoral Plan of Kharkov-Zaporozhyan diocese, have to visit any Catholic parish in left side of Dnepr River. In such atmosphere I got a big surprise of fortune: second historical church building in Donetsk Land was returned as property to believers.

Step by step Ukrainian State is restoring conditions to defend and practice our religion which is small minority here. Most people understand very well that religious tolerance in post-soviet Republics was a deep dream of John Paul II. His visit in Ukraine 2001 was very symbolical and fruitful. It is why some of us getting church back in 9-th day of Popes passing was thinking: "he is very happy and possibly he participates this event". Popes photo was present in the ceremony of first celebration after 1923 when the church was closed and damaged, his testament was announced during the Mass.

People was very impressed.

Now it comes the time to start repair the church. It is old Franciscan building created in 1861. It is really one of oldest churches in our diocese. In 1923 communists gave the building to the Army, later it was a club here, some offices and store. The cover was burning and there was no good reparation all these days made. It will take much money and efforts. Parish is still young and poor.

If some of you will make donation I will appreciate very much.

During one and half year our community was having meetings in Medical School just in classroom, later in Polish Carpentry Forte, famous and rich firm from Poland. People from Forte supported us also logistically and juridical way. God was giving us good people to start again after 82 years of silence. I hope with your kind interest and generosity Ukraine may obtain one historical monument more and believers will gain conditions to feel free and happy after so many years of persecution.

The name of our community is Holly Mary of Rosary Roman-Catholic Parish.

In forty days after John Paul II we start repairing our church.

Please do not forget us in your prayers.