Archbishop Gallagher Prays for Peace in Ukraine
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher prayed for peace in Ukraine at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Berdychiv, assuring the faithful of Pope Leo XIV’s spiritual closeness and urging them never to lose hope in God…
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher prayed for peace in Ukraine at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Berdychiv, assuring the faithful of Pope Leo XIV’s spiritual closeness and urging them never to lose hope in God.
More than 3,000 people gathered on the grounds of the shrine on July 19, around two hours by car southwest of Kyiv, to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the Latin-rite Catholic Church’s structures in Ukraine. Families, children, young people, and many elderly and vulnerable individuals filled the lawn where Mass was celebrated outdoors for the first time since the war began. Although heavy clouds released downpours shortly before the celebration commenced, the bad weather gradually subsided, giving way to unusual warm sunshine for the area.
Berdychiv is home to one of the holiest sites for Catholics in Ukraine and beyond. The city is also known as the birthplace of British-Polish writer Joseph Conrad, who was born in 1857 and is best known for major works including Lord Jim, Heart of Darkness, and The Shadow Line.
Archbishop Gallagher noted that he was on the fourth day of his mission as Pope Leo’s Special Envoy for the occasion, which will also coincide with commemorations marking 25 years since Saint John Paul II’s historic visit in 2026. He described this as a “twofold mission, both pastoral and diplomatic”, involving numerous meetings with political authorities. Above all, it enables him to unite in prayer with the faithful, particularly with the sick and those who are suffering, invoking before Our Lady the gift of peace and justice, especially for “dear” Ukraine.
“Mother of God and Mother of the Holy Scapular of Mount Carmel, we now turn to you, before the miraculous icon venerated here, with our prayer of praise to God and our supplications that He may grant us His peace,” the Archbishop prayed at the beginning of the celebration.
Peace is more necessary than ever for a country devastated by nearly four and a half years of war. Kyiv endured another night of intense bombardment between Saturday and Sunday, with heavy missile strikes hitting several districts of the capital from approximately 1:25 to 2:45 a.m. Authorities reported one person killed and more than ten others injured, marking one of the heaviest attacks of its kind since the conflict began.
