Letter from the Master of the Order on Ukraine

Letter from the Master of the Order to the Dominican Family on Ash Wednesday

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Pope Francis called for the dedication of Ash Wednesday, 2 March 2022, as a universal day of prayer and fasting for peace. May our prayers, fasting and works of charity, joined with those of our brothers and sisters all over the world, help obtain true and lasting peace in our world.

We recall that two years ago, the celebration of the Dominican Month for Peace 2020 called for spiritual and financial solidarity with the Dominican Family in Ukraine, in particular, with the Saint Martin de Porres Centre in Fastiv, Ukraine where our brothers and sisters welcome children who have been traumatized by armed conflict in the Eastern part of the country. During our online meeting with the friars in Ukraine on 19 February 2022, the friars presented an update of their apostolate in the center and told us how they are preparing to welcome more people if the armed conflict in the East spreads to the entire country. It was inspiring to hear the friars speak about their future projects, including the promotion of more Ukrainian vocations to the Order --- plans that can be realized in a time of peace. At a time when they were bracing themselves for war, they were already planning what to do in a time of peace. That is hope!

Let us continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Let us also pray for our brothers and sisters in Russia who suffer the consequences of being in a country embroiled in an unjust war of aggression. Let us not forget our brothers and sisters who continue to suffer the horrible consequences of armed conflict and forms of injustices in Myanmar, Venezuela, and other parts of the world. Let us also pray for our brothers and sisters in places where the life and mission of the Order are threatened by injustice and subtle forms of persecution.

In addition to our Lenten practices, let us implore the Dominican Family, who are now part of the Communion of Saints, to join us in our supplications by praying the Litany of the Dominican Saints (see attached), at least once a week, from Ash Wednesday to the First Week of Easter.

Your brother in St. Dominic,

Gerard Francisco Timoner III
Master of the Order
Rome, 2 March 2022