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\nThe voices of our brothers living on the war front reach us with all the dismay with which they are inevitably charged.<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Friar Daniel Botvina, Provincial Minister of Ukraine, described to Friar Massimo Fusarelli, OFM General Minister, the situation of serious difficulty experienced by the friars who live in the city of Konotop, occupied by the Russians last Thursday, February 24. \u201cThe friars are well and have remained there with the people, not to abandon them\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n
The words of Fr Romualdo, parish priest of the Konotop friary, describe in detail a scenario that no one thought possible until a few days ago. The streets have become a theatre of war, armoured vehicles have been knocked down, cars have been set on fire and, above all, military and civilian victims are scattered throughout the city. The picture is compounded by the despair into which the population has fallen on hearing the news that the city has been lost to the Ukrainian army.<\/p>\n
The parish immediately opened its doors to everyone. The friars offered answers to basic needs such as a place to spend the night or to get a meal, but also to the need for a word of comfort. They are mostly elderly people, women and children who have found themselves helpless in the face of the outbreak of war on their doorstep. In spite of these efforts, it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide food, medicine and other essentials for those who have all left their homes. The number of people being cared for is increasing and the friars need help.<\/p>\n
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Now more than ever, our Franciscan charism of bringing peace and goodness is revealed where there is unrest, darkness, war.<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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