NJ bishops voice support of Ukrainians in new letter
The Catholic Bishops of New Jersey issued a letter today to the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Philadelphia, which oversees the Ukrainian Catholic Churches in the region, including St. John The Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Newark and other Eastern rite Ukrainian churches in the state.
The letter is addressed to the Most Reverend Borys Gudziak, Archbishop-Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.
It reads:
Dear Archbishop Gudziak:
In solidarity, we express our prayers and support to the victims of the odium and hostility that have fallen on Ukraine, including the families that have been separated, those fleeing for safer ground, especially children and the elderly. In a special way, we extend our prayerful support to the Ukrainian Catholic community in the United States, who ache with helplessness for their brothers and sisters in peril.
Through the intercession of Mary, Our Blessed Mother and Queen of Peace, we ask that the Lord guide the world’s leaders to work toward a swift and diplomatic resolution to end this war, one that ensures a minimal loss of life and the complete preservation of Ukraine’s independence.
To use the words of Pope Francis, “war destroys, kills, impoverishes. Lord, give us your peace!”
Fraternally yours,
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.
Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop, Diocese of Trenton
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan
Bishop, Diocese of Camden
Most Rev. Kevin J. Sweeney
Bishop, Diocese of Paterson
Most Reverend James F. Checchio
Bishop, Diocese of Metuchen
Most Reverend Kurt Burnette
Bishop, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic
Most Reverend Yousif B. Habash
Bishop, Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese
Featured image: A view of central Kharkiv, Ukraine, shows the area near the regional administration building March 1, 2022. City officials said was hit by a Russian missile attack. (CNS photo/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy, Reuters)
