By C M Paul
Bengaluru, March 25, 2022: A Ukrainian nun studying in India hopes for a miracle of peace for her war-ravaged nation with the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
“In spiritual life, the act of good will sometimes is more important than the big deeds,” says Sister Edita Maria Ulman, member of the Holy Spirit Sisters now pursuing media studies in Christ University in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru.
Pope Francis will on March 25 officially consecrate two nations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The day is the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. The Pope will be joined by the entire Catholic world in this act of consecration as requested by Virgin Mary when she appeared in Fatima in 1917.
Sister Edita, as she is called, says through the consecration the whole Church is urged Mother Mary to remember her children. “We are not able with own power, but we trust in You and in Your Son we would like to say once more, that we are Yours, please protect us, use us as an instrument of Your peace,” the Ukrainian nun told Matters India March 24.
According to her, the consecration might seem to some people just saying a few words. She cited the Old Testament story of Naaman, the commander of the army of the Syria, who was told by Prophet Elisha to bathe in the Jordan to cure his leprosy. He was angry first but later did what the prophet said and got healed.
“If [Naaman] had been given some difficult task to accomplish to get healed, he would not have doubted. But this is how our faith could be shown,” the nuns said and quoted St Paul, “For the world [it] is foolishness’ and for us it is the saving [act].”
Sister Edita regrets some countries’ hesitation to a stand on the current war.
“Despite the pictures we see [on television], some still call the war a military operation (with unclear goals and reasons). Some have not taken a stand until now or say clearly this is a war. It is evil; it should be stopped, because thousands of people, from both the sides are dying. Children, woman, elderly, sick are the target of the Russian army,” she added.
“My parents didn’t go abroad. Recently two refugee families from Kharkiw stayed in my parents’ home for some time. With them was a 9 month-old baby girl,” she explained.
She also said that one her friends shared how three rockets landed some hundred meters from her window. “My mother is telling how she has packed the necessary things, documents and food just in case. They wake up from sleep with the sound of shelling and sirens. This is what is happening in quiet territories.”
Sister Edita says besides praying for her suffering people she sometimes helps connect people seeking shelter with those who can help. “I am using my knowledge of languages to communicate. You will not believe, but in this situation the simple reposting of video or article could be essential.
At the same time, she regrets some memes circulating in certain chats or groups without any purpose and some with ironic titles and the views of some “false experts.”
She also tries to be in touch with people and to write them.
“And paradoxically, though I am worried, but I will get more peace after calling somebody from Ukraine. People are full of hope and courage. We know that this war for us is about protection of our homes and future. So there are plenty of examples of unity, courage, goodness, faith and God’s providence. “
Asked what Indians could do, the 36-year-old nun who came to India a year ago says, “Be informed from the verified sources, and inform; take stand with Ukraine and to show it openly. Show support for the people in Ukraine on the different levels, personal as well an institutional – your letter, some action as a sign of support, post in social media, proposal to help are very much needed. Each donation of money, goods or especially medicine is now of great value; and above all pray and fast for Ukraine. Offer small everyday sacrifices for these intentions.”