UKRAINE: Military chaplain bringing God’s love to the frontline
A military chaplain serving in war-torn Ukraine has given a moving account of his spiritual support for thousands of soldiers who risk their lives every day.
Father Witalij Novak told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that he ministers to a brigade of 3,000 men.
He said that soldiers called to the frontline never know if they will still be alive the next day, adding: “The moment when I bless them before they set off for battle has great depth – they are sacrificing their lives to protect others.
“These moments are very important to me. I want to give them the best and provide them with security.
“But more than my words, it is the presence of God which I give to them.”
Father Novak said: “When the soldiers return from the front, they often confide in me, full of thanks.”
He added that soldiers have told him that rosaries and other items he had given them were their “constant companions”.
The priest said that he also sees it as his responsibility to awaken the voice of conscience in the soldiers.
Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, told ACN: “There is a more humane way of dealing with war…
“It is very important to transmit Christian values in the face of uncertainty and fear.”
The role of the military chaplain includes administering the Last Rites and helping to organise funerals.
In addition to the chaplains, hundreds of Ukrainian priests have been trained to provide spiritual support and counselling to those wounded and traumatised by the war.
ACN has funded 977 projects worth more than £20 million (€25.2 million) over the past three years of the war.
The charity’s assistance included Mass stipends and other help to thousands of Greek, and Roman, Catholic priests and religious, as well as formation support for 768 seminarians, and pastoral activities for 7,000 children and young people.
ACN has also provided subsistence aid for Sisters caring for those in need and repairs to Church buildings damaged by missile attacks.