To Mary, for Ukraine and her people

According to a website for post cards, this unique and beautiful painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who has always been considered the main patroness of Ukraine, is the work of artist Oleg Shuplyak. An important element of the painting is the stork, a symbol of revival for the land of the Ukraine and family well-being.

This war has been raging since February but is no longer prominent in the headlines as it was when it first began. Early this month, Pope Francis called all of us to "be builders of peace," and stressed, "I am not forgetting the martyred Ukraine." 

The Holy Father has also shared that, “Russian mystics and the great saints of all the traditions advised, in moments of spiritual turbulence, to shelter beneath the mantle of the Holy Mother of God pronouncing the invocation ‘Sub Tuum Praesidium.'”

Consider adding this prayer to Mary in your daily practice, so none of us forget Ukraine.

We fly to Your patronage, O Virgin Mother of God.

Despise not our prayers in our needs, but deliver us from all dangers,

since you alone are pure and blessed.

O most glorious Ever-Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ our God,

accept our prayers and present them to Your Son and our God,

that for the sake of You, He enlighten and save our souls.