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To Ukraine, With Love
By Melanie Fields
Pope Francis has invited everyone to make this Ash Wednesday a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace. As humanity reels at the senseless violence and suffering Russia has inflicted upon the Ukrainian people over the past week, Catholics and all people of goodwill have been called to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and to implore God for an end to the war.
The 1987-88 Marian Year declared by Pope John Paul II marked an important anniversary for the nation of Ukraine: a full millennium of Marian devotion. As one of the first countries to ever be consecrated to the Mother of God, this nation converted to Christianity in 988 under its prince, St. Volodymyr the Great (d. 1015) with its first consecration to Mary taking place in 1037 by Volodymyr's son, Yaroslav the Wise. In 1985, church leaders consecrated Ukraine to Mary a second time, pleading for her protection in the wake of the atrocities committed by the Soviet Union throughout the 20th century. Ukraine received its freedom and declared independence in 1991.
A Lenten Journey of Marian Devotion and Protection
Now, as Ukraine faces a new wave of violence and suffering, the Marian Library hopes to give tribute to Ukraine’s deeply rooted devotion, love and confidence toward the Mother of God. Decades ago, through the efforts of cataloger Helen Nykolyshyn, the Marian Library acquired a beautiful collection of works by contemporary Ukrainian artists and writers that testify to how vibrant and alive this love for the Blessed Mother remains. We will be sharing these artworks and other items in our Ukrainian Marian Collection throughout the season of Lent. Contemplating the many images and representations of the Ukrainian Madonna, we invite you to pray for peace and the Holy Mother’s continued protection of Ukraine and its people.
The images below can also be found in our Ukrainian Marian Collection on Pinterest. More images will be uploaded each Sunday during Lent
— Melanie Fields is a library specialist in the Marian Library, working with artwork and special collections, writing informative articles and communicating about the Marian Library through a variety of media.
'Rejoice, O Mother of God'
By Mykola Butovych. Printed in Germany, ca. 1947. From the Marian Library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, University of Dayton. Also called "The Holy Pokrov."
'Rejoice, O Mother of God'
By Mykola Butovych. Printed in Germany, ca. 1947. From the Marian Library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, University of Dayton. Also called "The Holy Pokrov."
'God Eternal is Born'
By Maria Harasowska-Daczyszyn, 1987. Print from the Marian Library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, University of Dayton.
'God Eternal is Born'
By Maria Harasowska-Daczyszyn, 1987. Print from the Marian Library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, University of Dayton.
'Queen of People'
By Volodymyr Butovych, n.d. Print from the Marian Library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, University of Dayton.
'Queen of People'
By Volodymyr Butovych, n.d. Print from the Marian Library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, University of Dayton.
'Madonna and Child'
By Yaroslava Surmach Mills, 1976. Paint or decoupage on a tree slice. From the Marian Library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, University of Dayton.
'Madonna and Child'
By Yaroslava Surmach Mills, 1976. Paint or decoupage on a tree slice. From the Marian Library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, University of Dayton.
'Icon of the Protection of the Most Holy Virgin'
by Yulian Volyanyuk, n.d. The Holy Pokrov, extending her veil of protection over the people. Poster produced by the Parish of the Most Holy Virgin Ukrainian Local Catholic Church, Parma, Ohio. From the Marian Library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, University of Dayton.
'Icon of the Protection of the Most Holy Virgin'