Sponsor the Formation of Ukrainian Catholic Seminarians
Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Project Code: 438-02-79

In 1946, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the country was forcibly dissolved by the communists. Believers were bloodily persecuted, and for over 40 years the Ukrainian Catholic Church, which is in communion with Rome, was able to exist only in the underground. Finally, in 1990, the Ukrainian Catholic Church was at last able to emerge from the catacombs again.

In 1993, the seminary in Ternopil was once more able to officially resume its activities. Thanks to financial support, among others from ACN, it was possible to build up a seminary, named in memory of the great Cardinal Confessor, Josyf Slipyj, who endured 18 years imprisonment under the communists and finally died in exile in 1984. He was also a friend of ACN founder Father Werenfried, who did everything possible to help and support the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the country throughout the time of persecution.

Today, there are 143 seminarians studying in the Ternopil seminary, which not only serves the local diocese but also those seminarians from other dioceses that do not have their own seminary. The young men receive an excellent academic formation. As well, the seminarians are encouraged to become familiar with everyday pastoral work through a series of practical training sessions and tasks, which help them to gain direct experience of the life and problems of ordinary people.

The seminarians work with children and young people, helping them both in play and in prayer to draw nearer to Jesus. They not only gain practical experience in the parish apostolate and in dealing with other people, but also provide a vital service. For in many regions, where the Church is still only in its beginnings, the few priests who are available are so overstretched that they simply do not have the time for such intensive ministry among all the groups of the faithful. In this way the seminarians are already serving the faithful today where one day, after completing their training, they will fill a yet more urgent need as priests.

ACN is helping the seminary in its work with a contribution of $680 per seminarian, per year. Will you now give to support these seminarians in Ukraine? We are sure they will remember you in their grateful prayers.

Aid to the Church in Need commits to invest your funds where they will have the greatest impact for the Church that we serve. Funds donated to Aid to the Church in Need’s projects will be used towards the greatest need in our programs to help keep the Faith alive.

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