Since the Russia Federation invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, the world has watched in horror at the bloodshed, violence and death that has resulted from this unilateral and unprovoked attack. With extensive social and traditional media coverage, we have witnessed the brutality and horrors of the first land war in Europe in more than 70 years.
Le Moyne stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they endure sorrow, death and unimaginable disruption to their lives. We also join with world and religious leaders, domestic and international organizations, athletic leagues and the countless others around the globe who have strongly condemned Russia’s action.
Our Jesuit, Catholic heritage calls on us to advance peace and seek justice throughout the world. As we have previously communicated, Pope Francis has invited everyone to make today, Ash Wednesday, a day of prayer for peace in Ukraine, stating: “I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies.”
We recognize that many people connected with Le Moyne may be impacted by this event. During these times it is important to come together as a community of faith.
On Sunday, March 6, the 7 p.m. Mass in the Panasci Family Chapel will be offered for restoration of peace and the end of war in Ukraine. The liturgy will include a Rite of Prayer, Petition and Remembrance for the people of Ukraine, and a prayer for peace and an end to military violence, followed by lighting of a candle for hope and peace. In solidarity with the Ukrainian people, Bill Dolan, S.J. will lead the Lord’s Prayer in the Ukrainian language and invite the congregation to make those words their own.
This weekend's collection will be directed to Catholic Relief Services Ukraine Relief. For those unable to attend the Mass, donation checks are also being accepted, made payable to Le Moyne College, with “CRS Ukraine” in the lower left notation.
As a liberal arts college, we believe that education plays a critical role in preventing conflicts such as those in Ukraine. On the eve of the invasion, Le Moyne hosted a well-attended talk on the events transpiring in Ukraine and Russia by Dr. Brian Taylor, an internationally recognized scholar on Russian politics and security issues at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
On Wednesday, March 9 at noon the College will host a virtual discussion with Mark Temnycky ’15, an accomplished writer on Eastern European affairs whose family roots are in Ukraine. Throughout his time at Le Moyne, Mark, who double majored in political science and history, distinguished himself as a researcher and writer, focusing his departmental honors thesis on Ukrainian national identity. There will also be a discussion about the events taking place in Ukraine on Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m. in room 438 of Reilly Hall, sponsored by the Peace Action League.
The images and stories coming from the war can be difficult to process. If you would like a space to pray or someone to talk to, please reach out to Campus Ministry or the Wellness Center for Health and Counseling.
Please join me in praying for all those impacted, for peace and for a more just world.
Sincerely,
Linda M. LeMura, Ph.D.
President