Calls for Solidarity with the People of Ukraine

The last few days have brought the devastation of flooding to our region and the horror of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Let’s pray and act in solidarity with all those affected by the floods in South-East Queensland and with the people of Ukraine.

As you know, the Russian military invaded Ukraine last week. Every day, we see the pain and suffering this is causing for the people of Ukraine.

Pope Francis has called for a global day of prayer and fasting in solidarity with the people of Ukraine on Ash Wednesday, 2 March. On Saturday, Archbishop Coleridge and Bishop Mykola Bychok, leader of Australia’s Ukrainian Catholics, supported the Pope’s call for prayer and also called on the Australian Government to provide generous support to Ukrainians who are forced to flee the violence.

We have spoken to Fr. Stefan Sapun, the Parish Priest of the Ukrainian Catholic Community in Brisbane. You are welcome to join the Ukrainian Catholic community to pray at 9:00 AM Mass this Ash Wednesday at Our Lady of Protection Church, 36 Broadway Street, Woolloongabba.

The Ukrainian Community of Queensland will also hold a rally this Sunday 6 March at 12 noon in King George Square, Adelaide Street, Brisbane. If you can, please consider standing with the people of Ukraine at this public act of solidarity.

Many Ukrainians have been injured and displaced. The Ukraine Crisis Appeal has been established to provide much needed support to all those affected by the invasion. The Appeal is a collaboration between the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Rotary Australia World Community Service and Caritas Ukraine. Tax deductible donations can be made here.

You can keep in touch with further action and appeals by the Ukrainian Community of Queensland here.

Please continue to also pray for those in other parts of the world where violence and oppression continue – Myanmar, Hong Kong, Yemen, West Papua.

Responding to the Devastation of the Floods

Many people have been seriously affected by the floods. Some have tragically lost their lives. Homes and businesses have been devastated and some people have been displaced. The Aboriginal community of Cherbourg has been cut off. Please continue your prayers for all those who have been affected and reach out with practical support when it is safe to do so.

We have been encouraging participation in Clean Up Australia Day activities this Sunday March 6. The priority now will clearly be to offer help to those whose homes and businesses have been flooded. As the flooding subsides, plenty of hands will be needed to help our neighbours to recover from this devastation.

This message is authorised by Ms. Maree Rose, Chair of the Catholic Justice & Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane.