Tears and Pride for Ukraine

By Fr. Steve Shafran, SDB

I am a first-generation, eldest son of Ukrainian immigrants; my parents fled their beloved homeland as World War II ravaged their nation. They came to the United States, the land of immigrants, to experience freedom and give their children a better life, not communism. They were fierce nationalists who kept their Ukrainian language, culture, and community close to the heart while keeping contact with family in Ukraine. Although they wanted us to know about Ukraine, they did not want to dwell on the tragedies they had experienced. My dad witnessed the murder of his mother by bayonet in the family barn over their cow. My mom saw her Jewish friends and playmates murdered. At the time of her youth, she didn’t know why or what they had done to be killed, but it haunted her, and the memories flooded back as she was dying. She fled her country as a teenager, worked in labor camps, and, finally, made her way to New York, an unbelievable journey for a young woman of 18. As she always said, she had to grow up fast. You would never know the horrors my parents suffered by the lives they lived and the joy and love they shared. My siblings and I never suffered from any of the scars that war most certainly carved in their hearts.

I think of this in these days when I see history repeating itself in Ukraine, the “breadbasket of Europe,” and land of many riches. The tragedies of an unprovoked invasion, murder, displacement, and sheer horror are unimaginable for a country that simply wants independence and freedom. My aunts, uncles, and some first-generation cousins are gone, but second cousins and their children remain. I shudder at the thought of these young people taking up guns with no experience when they should be taking up books and careers, building a future with families for a promising life in peace. I have had no contact with them in weeks, and I don’t know their current situation and plight, but I do know it’s a tragic history come to life again. Are they safe? Are they fighting? Have they escaped? If so, where? I don’t know. Since Ukraine’s most recent independence was declared 31 years ago (independence from Moscow), these young people have always known freedom. The freedom of their lifetime was won by the bravery and sacrifice of previous generations. My family and their friends lived a wonderful life, enjoying a stroll and drink at the café in the town square on the evening of Wednesday, February 23, but that all changed the next day. God help us.

The world has been captivated by the Ukrainian people, their resolve, determination, heroism, and deep faith. It is unbelievable that a country slightly smaller than Texas can hold up against the powers of a nation with the largest land mass in the world, whose leaders are so motivated and powered by evil. We see the best of the human spirit, not just to survive, but using strong will and great faith to overcome. It does bring me to tears, but it also fills me with much pride. This is an extraordinary human tragedy—will prayers be enough? I don’t know, but I hope these innocent people will receive some help in this fight as they lose ground, lack supplies, and become weary. Our Blessed Mother's warning at Fatima on July 13, 1917, is still powerful today and has not yet been realized—the conversion of Russia. Glory to Ukraine and strength and protection to the priests and religious, to our Salesian brothers and sisters who witness martyrdom every day and take heroic action. I have not seen the world so united since after 9/11. This support means so very much to me and the people of Ukraine.

Prince of Peace, inspire leaders with wisdom. Mary, Help of Christians, intercede for Ukraine.