Superior of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Saint Marc, Sister Ligy Payyappilly chose to stay close to the local population after Russia’s invasion. She tells AsiaNews about the courage of the Ukrainians and how, on Christmas, her convent will become a place of shelter and welcome.
Sister Ligy Payyappilly, 48, superior of the Convent of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Saint-Marc (SJSM) in Mukachevo, Ukraine, spoke to AsiaNews about preparing for Christmas amid war.
Originally from the SJSM’s Sanjo province in Kerala, she has been in the in Ukraine for 20 years. After Russia’s invasion in February, she and her 17 Sisters decided to stay and give assistance to fleeing civilians.
We don't have any children here and refugees are living in different places without food, but we provide food items and share whatever we have with them. We received help from Germany.
Benefactors and others who know us as well as well-wishers are donating food, etc. We are collecting food, clothes, and medicines from neighbouring countries. We are also providing food for soldiers; whatever we get we distribute it.
Two Indian male students, who are studying in Kharkiv are here with us. As they wanted to complete their studies, we initially arranged for them to stay in a hostel, but they stayed there only for two days because there was no heating and food was in short supply. I felt sorry for them and now they are with us.
The situation in Ukraine is very hard; life is precarious, living is a miracle. Russia is firing rockets, but Ukrainian soldiers are very brave. Just last night there was an attack of 35 drones, and Ukrainian soldiers stopped 33; only two landed. Every week, Russia is firing 80-100 rockets.
In Ukraine, there is no electricity, everything is like deadly sleep, a nightmare.
As usual we say our prayer services. Many people come for prayers; many families of soldiers join the prayer services. We give them hope.
I firmly believe that Ukraine will win; those who have died, died for a cause, defending their country.
The prayers for the dead join those of Pope Francis and the world and our prayers for Ukraine. Many gave their life for freedom and peace. Innocent children were killed and murdered in this war against Ukraine; so I firmly believe that Ukraine will win one day.
This Christmas will be open house for all people. Food, clothes, and shelter will be shared. Our convent will be the Stable of Bethlehem, and God will pitch his tent among us and we will make more room in our tent, where all will find love, joy and hope.