Transportation for a Hospital Chaplain in a time of War

Father Taras Viliura during his service as a hospital chaplain in Ivano-Frankivsk

We read in the Gospels that man “does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). This reveals the profound truth that we are not just physical beings but also have deep spiritual needs.

This is something long recognised by the Church and can be shown by the complete and comprehensive care of the patient as a whole person shown in the vital work of hospital chaplains.

Since 2022, Fr Taras Viliura has been a chaplain at St Luke’s Clinic in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archeparchy of IvanoFrankivsk. As part of their approach of seeing the patient as a whole human being, the clinic offers palliative care in addition to medical treatment and diagnosis. An essential component of Fr Taras’ ministry is the spiritual accompaniment of patients receiving palliative care. For patients with serious conditions or terminal illness, pastoral care and the administration of the Sacraments, such as the Anointing of the Sick, are of particular importance.

Hospice beds are in short supply in the region, meaning that many palliative care patients spend much of their time at home. The war in Ukraine has meant that many people, particularly from the younger generations, are no longer in their hometowns, either having left Ukraine or serving in the military. This has left many of the patients without family and a support network.

This was the case for 78-year-old Olena. Her children had moved abroad and she was living alone. When Fr Taras first began to visit her, she was filled with fear and loneliness. Fr Taras was able to help her by talking and praying with her. “Father, you made me feel seen and not forgotten,” she told him.

Fr Taras visits people like Olena every day and, on top of this, he also provides support to the families of patients, celebrates Holy Mass and hears confessions and answers urgent calls to provide support and the Sacraments to patients in the final moments of their lives.

There are not only many patients in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk who Fr Taras visits, he also visits patients in the surrounding areas, some of whom are over 10 kilometres away.

Public transport is not always reliable, and it is not practical to rely on every day. Challenging terrain, climate and costs make the daily use of bicycles and taxis unfeasible.

Therefore, Fr Taras has asked us for help in purchasing a suitable vehicle to help him carry out his ministry. Will you help Fr Taras to minister to some of those in most of need?