This year we are celebrating Easter having in mind the war going on across our border and many refugees live around us. The holidays were an opportunity to meet with them or to get involved in helping Ukraine.

In Bydgoszcz, on Palm Sunday, the community of Renewal in the Holy Spirit „Mary’s Love” organised a charity fair to send gifts to Ukraine for Christmas. Preparations began a few days before the fair. Members of the community made their own butter lambs, palms, Easter cakes and Christmas decorations. The fair also offered new and second-hand books, household goods and toys for sale.

We managed to collect 5722 zloty. These funds helped us buy the most necessary products, which were sent to Bucza in Ukraine. They were received by two orphanages and a military unit. – informs fr. Paweł Sawiak SJ, the coordinator of the community.

Many Jesuit communities are currently hosting refugees, so it is hard to imagine not joining them in celebrating such a special time as Easter. This is why in Jesuit Community in Gdynia guests from Ukraine were invited to the festive Easter dinner.

Actually, for many Ukrainians, Easter will be celebrated on next Sunday, due to the calendar, which is used by the Eastern Churches.