A Journey of Solidarity and Hope

From March 10 to 22, 2025, Father Tomaž Mavrič, President of the Vincentian Family Board and Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, embarked on a mission of solidarity and spiritual accompaniment to Ukraine. In a country still suffering the consequences of war, his presence among the Vincentian communities and the people they serve was a strong sign of hope and unwavering faith. His visit was not merely symbolic but deeply pastoral, as he sought to strengthen those who continue to dedicate their lives to serving the most vulnerable.

For nearly two weeks, Father Mavrič traveled across different parts of Ukraine, meeting with Vincentian priests and brothers, Daughters of Charity, lay collaborators, and those who have been directly affected by the war. In each encounter, he listened to stories of suffering but also of perseverance and courage. In bomb-damaged churches, makeshift shelters, and small prayer gatherings, he found a people who refuse to be broken by war, a community that continues to extend hands of compassion despite the challenges they face daily.

Father Tomaž Mavrič (center) at a moment during his visit to Ukraine.

The Context of War in Ukraine

Since 2022, Ukraine has been embroiled in an ongoing war following the full-scale invasion by Russian forces. What initially appeared to be a swift military campaign has turned into a prolonged and devastating conflict, with catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Cities have been reduced to rubble, millions of people have been displaced, and countless families have been torn apart. The war has not only taken lives but also disrupted the economic and social fabric of the country, leaving communities struggling to survive.

Amid these hardships, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and faith-based groups have played a crucial role in providing emergency relief, shelter, medical assistance, and psychological support to those affected. The war has tested the limits of endurance, yet it has also revealed the extraordinary capacity of people to come together and support one another. The Vincentian Family has been an essential part of this humanitarian network, standing alongside the suffering and providing practical aid as well as spiritual encouragement.

Father Mavrič: A Leader Rooted in Service

Father Tomaž Mavrič, born in Argentina to Slovenian parents, has dedicated his life to the Vincentian charism, which emphasizes service to the poor and marginalized. Since his election as Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission in 2016, he has consistently worked to deepen the Vincentian commitment to the most vulnerable. His leadership is marked by a strong emphasis on presence—being physically with those who are suffering, listening to them, and encouraging them.

His visit to Ukraine was a reflection of this pastoral approach. He did not remain in the safety of distant observation but entered directly into the daily reality of those living through the conflict. He visited communities still under the threat of airstrikes, met with displaced families seeking refuge in Vincentian-run shelters, and prayed with those who have lost loved ones to the war. His message was one of hope, reminding those he encountered that they are not alone—that the Vincentian Family and the global Church stand in solidarity with them.

The Vincentian Family’s Mission in Ukraine

The Vincentian Family, inspired by the teachings of Saint Vincent de Paul, has been deeply engaged in humanitarian work in Ukraine. Even before the war, the Vincentians were involved in ministries serving the poor, the sick, and the homeless. Since the outbreak of the conflict, their mission has expanded to include:

• Providing emergency shelter for those displaced by the fighting. Many Vincentian houses have opened their doors to refugees, offering them a safe place to stay, food, and emotional support.
• Distributing food and medical supplies in war-torn areas where access to basic necessities is scarce. Volunteers have risked their lives to deliver aid to remote villages and frontline communities.
• Offering psychological and spiritual support to those suffering from trauma. Many people, especially children, have been deeply affected by the horrors of war, and the Vincentians have worked to provide counseling and moments of peace through prayer and companionship.
• Organizing educational programs to ensure that children and young people can continue learning despite the disruptions caused by the war.

During his visit, Father Mavrič personally witnessed these efforts and expressed his deep admiration for the Vincentians who have chosen to remain in Ukraine despite the dangers. Many priests, religious sisters, and lay Vincentians have decided not to leave their communities, even in areas that continue to experience bombardment. Their unwavering commitment is a testament to the Vincentian spirit of service, which calls them to be with the poor, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Faith That Overcomes Fear

One of the most striking aspects of Father Mavrič’s visit was his encounters with the local faithful. In the face of war, many people have found solace in their faith, gathering in churches—sometimes partially destroyed—to pray for peace. Even in the most precarious situations, the power of communal prayer has given strength to those who might otherwise feel abandoned.

In conversations with priests and lay leaders, Father Mavrič heard firsthand accounts of individuals who have lost everything but still hold onto hope. He met mothers who have buried their sons, yet continue to volunteer in soup kitchens. He spoke with children who no longer have homes but still dream of a future without war. He prayed with elderly parishioners who refuse to leave their towns, despite the risk, because they feel called to be pillars of faith for those who remain.

His visit was a reminder that the Church is not merely an institution but a living body that walks with its people, especially in times of suffering. The Vincentian Family’s presence in Ukraine is a concrete example of how faith can be translated into action—how prayer must always be accompanied by works of charity and justice.

A Call for Global Solidarity

Throughout his journey, Father Mavrič emphasized the need for continued international support for Ukraine. He called on the global Vincentian Family and all people of goodwill to remember the suffering in Ukraine and to take concrete steps to help. Whether through financial assistance, prayers, or advocacy, every effort matters.

The war in Ukraine is not just a regional crisis; it is a humanitarian disaster that demands a global response. The Vincentian Family has shown that faith can move people to action, but the needs remain immense. As the conflict continues, solidarity must not wane.

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Father Tomaž Mavrič’s visit to Ukraine was not just a pastoral mission—it was a profound gesture of accompaniment and commitment. His presence among the people, his words of encouragement, and his deep appreciation for those serving on the frontlines of charity have left a lasting impact. The Vincentian Family’s work in Ukraine is a testament to faith in action, a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, love and service can shine as beacons of hope.