15.05.12
A delegation from the Caritas Fulda Eparchy in Germany visited the Ivano-Frankivs’k Caritas from 7-10 May.  This was their third visit and it was designed to support and teach Ukrainians how to operate Centres of Recreation and Social Adaptation for Disabled Youth.

The Fulda delegation consisted of 5 individuals this year: Christian Sharfa, Public Affairs Coordinator; Kristine Klintsing, Director of Programs for Geriatric Homes; Bernda Vistrakha, Director of Professional Workshops; Holger Shvana, Director of Training Workshops for the Severely Disabled and Peter Zauer, Director of the Disabled Recreation Club.  

During the first day of the visit employees of the Ukrainian Caritas met with the parents of disabled children and employees of the German Caritas.  During this meeting, the Centre’s Coordinator detailed how the workshops for the disabled function, what methods are used to help disabled children adapt to mainstream society and what recreation and relaxation activities are organized for the clients.

14.05.12
During 10-12 May in Warsaw (Poland) was held the Regional Conference of Caritas Europe. The 47 member organisations are represented during the conference by their presidents, secretary generals and directors. Caritas  Ukraine’ president Andrij Waskowycz and general secretary Anatoliy Kozak  joined the meeting as well.

Previous conferences have been held in Dubrovnik, Mainz, Bled, Brussels, El Escorial and Rome. This year’s gathering is taking place in the Polish Bishops’ Conference venue in Warsaw. President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Cardinal Robert Sarah, will give the opening speech.

The first conference day program included reports and financial analysis of Caritas Europe work for the last 2 years.

13.05.12
Under the slogan “Unite that which has been separated,” recently delegates from the Caritas Ivano-Frankivs’k UGCC went on the Holy Robe Pilgrimage in Trier (Germany).  

The Holy Robe is clothing that belonged to Jesus Christ and it is the most priceless item at the Cathedral of Trier.  The Holy Robe has been kept there closed and inaccessible to the human eye for centuries.  This relic is exhibited for public veneration only rarely--during organized pilgrimages to the Holy Robe.  In the last century the Holy Robe Pilgrimages occurred only three times, in 1933, 1959 and 1996.  

Since the first pilgrimage, millions of people from across the world have made the pilgrimage to the Holy Robe.  Pilgrims include the faithful and the inquisitive.  The 2012 Holy Robe Pilgrimage asked the faithful questions about reunion, reconciliation and humility while giving them great hope.  The Holy Robe is not just a shirt, it is a garment of our Saviour who “For us and for our salvation came down from heaven and was made man.”

11.05.12
Evidente, a charitable mission of Dutch and Ukrainian Ophthalmologists visited the charitable organization Caritas Ivano-Frankivs’k at the end of April.  

For the fourth year in a row Ukraine the Henri Nouwen foundation has funded foreign specialists and young Ukrainian doctors that offer free eye exams to the less fortunate members of society in Africa, Eastern Europe and financed.  In two days doctors examined nearly 90 individuals in Ivano-Frankivs’k including: 25 isolated elderly individuals, 35 young mentally disabled individuals and 30 children from disadvantaged families or from families where a parent is working abroad.  Some of those examined obtained glasses immediately; others will receive glasses in the next couple of months, made and shipped from Holland.  

“When compared to how the foreigners treated their patients, people in Ukraine, especially those judged to be in low socio-economic class, are treated terribly.  It is very important for patients to be treated with respect, dignity and care because this is what we are most lacking in our lives, especially as we age.