Dear Immaculata Community,
As I write this message to you, the tragedy and horror of the Russian invasion on the Ukrainian people continues and, I am sure I can speak for all of us of the helplessness one feels in witnessing such an atrocity. We are deeply outraged by the malicious brutalities exacted upon the Ukrainian people, their homeland, and the disregard for human life and freedom.
As a community, we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people who bravely fight for their right to live in a sovereign country and support the many lives that have been and will be lost, and the many more that have been and will be affected.
Let us join our hearts and voices with our sisters and brothers around the world by praying for Ukraine, by being actively engaged in the many endeavors coordinated on their behalf, and in being instruments of peace wherever we are.
You will be hearing very shortly from Sr. Mary Henrich regarding specific ways that we can all help.
Sincerely,
Barbara Lettiere
President
As we watch the unfolding of the atrocities in Ukraine, let us come together as a community to pray for and donate needed items to our sisters and brothers in this dreadful time of need.
Good and gracious God, as the people of Ukraine are suffering, we, the Immaculata Community, come to ask You to be with them in their time of tragedy and crisis. We are watching and hearing reports of the war, as they experience their own way of the cross. Be with those courageously fighting for their country, their families, and their freedom. Walk with those who journey to other countries to flee from the armed aggression and the bombing. Support the many who show loving kindness to assist and sustain the refugees; may they not grow weary. Open our hearts and give us the courage, as fellow citizens of the world, to stand with our sisters and brothers of Ukraine, and may our efforts of prayer and giving be a comfort and relief to them in their time of need.
(Sister Mary Henrich, IHM)
I also encourage you to participate in our campus spiritual opportunities and this student-initiated endeavor:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday, March 21 | Mass 12:30 PM Villa Maria Chapel |
| Tuesday, March 22 | Ecumenical Prayer Around the Cross (co-sponsored with CRS) 9 AM Villa Maria Rotunda Rosary Walk |
| Wednesday, March 23 | Silent Adoration 12-2 PM Villa Maria Chapel |
| Thursday, March 24 | Eucharistic Holy Hour 8 PM Marian Chapel |
| Friday, March 25 | Silent Adoration 12-2 PM Villa Maria Chapel |
Giving Opportunity
From March 21 to April 1 there will be donation boxes around campus. The donations will be brought to the Holy Myrrh-Bearers Ukrainian Catholic Church in Swarthmore, PA, where it will go to Delaware to be sent to Poland for refugees. In addition to new clothes, flyers are placed around campus and on our campus website indicating the items most needed.
Locations of boxes:
- DeChantal Lobby, Loyola 221
- Nazareth Hall (entrance closest to Good Council)
- Faculty Center (lower entrance)
You are invited to join the Immaculata community for prayer at any of these times/opportunities as we hold our Ukrainian sisters and brothers in prayer.
Thank you.
Sister Mary Henrich IHM
Vice President for Mission and Ministry