Diocese of Metuchen sends $415,000 in humanitarian aid to Ukraine

PISCATAWAY – Through its Ash Wednesday collection and other ongoing efforts, the Diocese of Metuchen collected $415,521.67 in humanitarian aid for Ukraine, which is still under siege by Russian forces.
 
At the request of Bishop James F. Checchio, the special collection was taken up in parishes in all four counties of the diocese – Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren – on Ash Wednesday, within the first week of the war. The collection, which generated $385,462.67 in parishes and prompted $30,059 from individual donations, among them one $10,000 donation, was held on the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Ukraine, declared by Pope Francis to encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day.
 
In a letter of gratitude to Bishop Checchio and the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen, Bishop Josyf Milian, Auxiliary Bishop of the Kyiv Archeparchy, wrote, “We know that this year you are also suffering together with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. We know that, like Mary, the ‘sword of sorrow’ pierces your heart when you see this horror that is happening in our homeland. We are infinitely grateful to you for your generous support in our journey of suffering that accompanies us to our Resurrection.”
 
“Bringing our gratitude, we wish you that the Giver of Peace in His Resurrection will bring true joy to your hearts and homes,” the auxiliary bishop continued.
 
The March 2 collection and Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Ukraine were immediately followed by a March 3 Divine Liturgy, in which Bishop Checchio participated, held at Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption, Perth Amboy. Three weeks later, the bishop also joined the Holy Father in prayer, as he consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, March 25.
 
“Even now, more than two months into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we must remain committed to praying for and doing all we can to support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, who are enduring these atrocities against humanity,” said Bishop Checchio. “While I am grateful for the many generous faithful and the people of goodwill who contributed to this collection for humanitarian aid, I urge the continuance of prayer for the people of Ukraine; for those in neighboring countries, offering shelter, aid and refuge; and for an end to this senseless war. May Our Lady, Queen of Peace, protect and be near to them and intercede for us, that this cruel war will end in peaceful resolve.”