(ANS – Lviv, May 5, 2026) – In a time marked by war, the visit of the Salesian Congregation’s General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Rafael Bejarano, to the Byzantine Rite Vice Province in Ukraine carried deep spiritual and educational significance. His presence served as a tangible sign of the closeness of the Rector Major and the General Council, offering support, encouragement, and fraternity to the Salesians who continue their mission alongside young people—especially the poorest and most vulnerable—and the war-affected population, in the spirit of Don Bosco.

Accompanying Fr. Bejarano were the Provincial Superior, Mychailo Chaban, and the Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, Anatoliy Hetsyanyn.

A Vibrant Encounter with Young People

The visit began at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center, where the rector, Andriy Bodnar, warmly welcomed the guest. Addressing students in an atmosphere of joy and openness, Fr. Bejarano reflected on the Gospel story of the widow of Nain (Lk 7:11–17), emphasizing that the Salesian educational mission is called to “restore life” to young people—especially those marked by suffering—helping them rediscover dignity, nurture their dreams, and become protagonists of their own future.

This spirit of dialogue and closeness continued during meetings with students at the Salesian Mary Help of Christians community, where he highlighted community life as a privileged space for human and Christian growth. He encouraged young people to build authentic relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect.

Fr. Bejarano also met youth at the St Dominic Savio Oratory—the first Salesian oratory in Lviv—as well as members of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), participating in the work of the SYM Council.

A meaningful encounter also took place at the Sheptytskyi Secondary School, where he emphasized that education in the spirit of John Bosco begins with encounter, listening, and trust. He encouraged students to seek deeper meaning in their lives, hold onto hope in difficult times, and recognize their responsibility in shaping the future of their country.

Representatives of the youth ministry of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church also participated in various meetings, including Roman Demush and Orest Yelizarov, reflecting the strong collaboration between the Salesians and the local Church.

Faith Celebrated: Liturgy and Communion

A central part of the visit was the celebration of the liturgy. During the Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite at the Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God, Fr. Bejarano expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and assured them of the prayers of the Salesian Congregation, also conveying the closeness of the Rector Major, Fabio Attard.

In his homily, inspired by the Gospel of the Third Sunday of Easter (Mk 15:43–47; 16:1–8), he reminded the faithful that even in the darkest moments, God continues to sow seeds of hope and resurrection: “Even in difficulties and trials, the Lord nurtures something new in our hearts.”

Another meaningful moment took place with the young members of the “FC Pokrova Lviv” football team, encouraging them to reflect on their personal relationship with God.

Fr. Bejarano also led a retreat for the Salesian confreres of the Vice Province, concluding with the Eucharistic celebration and emphasizing that true communion is built in the Eucharist.

Concrete Closeness: Between Suffering and Rebirth

The visit included deeply moving encounters with those affected by the war. A particularly powerful moment was the meeting with the Pokrova AMP Football team, made up of young former soldiers who lost limbs during the war. Their testimonies of resilience and renewal through sport left a lasting impression.

In Vynnyky, accompanied by Hryhorii Shved, Fr. Bejarano visited the Superhumans Center, a leading rehabilitation facility providing prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, and psychological care for those affected by the war.

He also witnessed the wide range of Salesian outreach in the area, including youth centers, children’s homes, and social and sports programs, as well as services supporting internally displaced families and wounded soldiers.

Another significant visit was to the Mariapolis modular campus for displaced persons, where nearly 1,000 people are being cared for. Accompanied by Andrii Platosh, Fr. Bejarano saw firsthand the realities faced by families affected by war. The Salesians continue to serve the most vulnerable through food distribution, shelter, and ongoing support.

The visit to the city’s municipal cemetery, where many young victims of the war—including former Salesian students—are buried, was especially moving. Together with his confreres, Fr. Bejarano offered prayers for the deceased, entrusting them to the Lord.

Educating as a Family: The Pokrova Family Home

During his visit, Fr. Bejarano also met with children and youth at the Pokrova family home—many of whom come from difficult backgrounds or have experienced orphanhood. The encounter was filled with joy, as the young people shared performances reflecting their culture, faith, and lived experiences during the war.

He encouraged them to live with joy and confidence, reminding them that holiness is built in everyday life and that even small acts can give deep meaning to one’s journey.

Formation and Shared Mission

A formation meeting with educators and Salesians engaged in educational work in Lviv provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection and shared mission. Fr. Bejarano emphasized that the Salesian mission goes beyond organizing activities—it is rooted in witnessing faith in daily life.

He highlighted the importance of the educational and pastoral community as a shared responsibility between laypeople and consecrated members, working together to accompany young people in discovering their vocation and God’s plan.

A Sign of Hope for the Future

Fr. Bejarano’s visit left a lasting impact on the communities he encountered, offering inspiration, support, and encouragement. His message was clear: even in the most difficult circumstances, the future can still be built.

He noted that the Vice Province is active in nearly all areas of Salesian ministry and praised the ability of the Salesians in Ukraine to respond with flexibility and creativity to ongoing challenges, opening new paths of service for young people and those affected by war.

The presence of the Salesians and the wider Salesian Family alongside young people in war-torn Ukraine remains a powerful sign of hope—accompanying, educating, and supporting them toward a future grounded in faith, solidarity, and love, with the hope of a just and lasting peace.