The Canonical Visitation of the Sisters in the Saints Cyril and Methodius Vice-Province was conducted by m. Dia Stasiuk, General Superior and Sister Emanuela Vavrekova, General Councillor, from May 20 (in Bratislava) to May 31, 2016. The Vice-Province has three monastaries located in Secovce (the motherhouse of the Vice Province), Trebisov and Vranov. Two Sisters also serve in the Eparchial Chancery in Bratislava.
The canonical visitation of the Sisters of the Province Jesus, Lover of Humanity in Fox Chase Manor, PA was conducted by Sister Dia Stasiuk, General Superior, February 7 – March 2, 2016. Sisters at the motherhouse had the opportunity to meet with Sister Dia individually. Sister traveled to Chicago, IL and Warren, MI to meet with those Sisters who are ministering in these Ukrainian Greek Catholic schools and parishes.
On Sunday May 22 joining the Mother Prayer groups from various parts of Italy and Spain participating in this annual pilgrimage were Sisters Lydia Anna Sawka, OSBM and Anastasia Stulkivska, OSBM from the Generalate. The day’s prayerful program began at noon with a Moleben to the Blessed Mother celebrated at the ourdoor Grotto of Our Lady.
Millions of pilgrims from around the world come in pilgrimage to pray at the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican City during this special Jubilee Year of Mercy. On Tuesday, May 31 the Congregation for Oriental Churches organized such a pilgrimage for all Eastern Catholics in the Rome vacinity. Invited were Eastern Hierarchs, members of all Communities and Congregations of Consecrated Life with their Generalates in Rome, seminarians, sisters and other students studying in various Pontifical Institutes of Eastern Churches.
Hundreds gathered at St. Sofia in Rome on Sunday, May 29th to celebrate and honor all mothers on their special day. After Matins, a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Most Reverend Dionysio Lachovicz, Apostolic Visitator for Ukrainian Catholics in Italy and Spain, and con-celebrated by numerous clergy asking for blessings for all mothers – living and those who have passed into eternity. In his homily Most Rev. Dionysio focused on the theme “Gift Your Mother with Happiness”.
During July 4 – 19, 2016 m. Dia Stasiuk and Sr. Mariela Rotzen conducted a canonical visitation of our sisters in the Immanculate Heart of Mary Province in romania. during the visitation they visited the monasteries in Gherla, Lugos, Baia Mare and Cluj-Napooca, had individual meetings with the Sisters, prayed together, and enjoyed each others presence.
On November 14th we begin the fast of Philip, a time of forty days of preparation for the feasts of Nativity and Epiphany of Our Lord, Jesus. In Bethlehem’s cave is born Jesus, the Light of the World, who conquers the darkness of sin. The angels sing of His coming, the shepherds adore Him and the wise men bring Him gifts and pay Him homage.
Journey of Transfiguration is an 82 page booklet that endeavors to highlight the basic elements of Saint Basil’s teachings on “the life of the monastic and the life of a Basilian community”. The booklet provides quotes from Scripture and the works of St. Basil for reflection and prayer.
Due to the proclamation of the Year of Consecrated Life on May 15, 2015 the Congregation for the Oriental Churches organized a day of spiritual renewal for the superiors of Eastern Catholic monastic communities or congregations which have their Generalates or Administrative Headquarters in Rome.
The regional coordinator of the Ukrainian groups of “Mothers Prayers” in Italy, Mrs. Lidia Vukovych appealed to our General Superior, Mother Dia Stasiuk, requesting that one of our Basilian Sisters attend meetings and give spiritual support to the group. Sister Nazariya Mykhaylyuk graciously accepted this ministry.