Zytomyr: In the war-scarred city of Zytomyr, three dedicated religious sisters from the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth are cultivating a powerful legacy of solace and support. Through their cloistered lives of profound contemplation, these remarkable women are quietly yet profoundly reshaping the experiences of countless individuals, addressing the critical needs of a community enduring the relentless shadows of conflict.
Their compassionate work took tangible form in May 2022, when the sisters inaugurated a kindergarten within spaces graciously provided by Caritas. This vital initiative offered a much-needed sanctuary for the children of essential infrastructure workers and tireless volunteers, who previously had no safe place for their little ones. As Sr. Franciszka Tumanievich elucidated, "We welcomed as many children as could fit in the few rooms." Today, this haven embraces approximately 20 children, aged four to five, daily. Beyond foundational lessons in art and English, a profound spiritual element permeates their days: "The children pray for soldiers and for peace every day," Sr. Franciszka revealed, highlighting the unique nature of their endeavor as one of Ukraine's rare Christian kindergartens, made possible by Caritas SPES.
The center's strength is further bolstered by its staff, nearly half of whom are displaced women. These individuals, experts in speech therapy, psychology, and pedagogy, have themselves traversed traumatic paths. Sr. Franciszka regards them as an immense "gift," commending their invaluable contributions, from engaging linguistic gymnastics to joyful dancing and singing. Their own difficult and moving histories underscore the immense significance of the center's existence, particularly for a generation now marked by "orphans and widows," and countless families fractured by members seeking refuge abroad.
Beyond the structured environment of the kindergarten, the sisters extend their reach through a comprehensive family assistance center. This initiative transcends simple aid, ensuring that those they serve have access to fundamental necessities such as nourishing food and warm beverages, alongside a welcoming space for comfort, communal meals, and shared prayer. "We make sure that the people we help have food, tea and space, so they feel comfortable, and can eat and pray with us," Sr. Franciszka emphasized.
Their daily commitment also encompasses organizing regular retreats and formation sessions for families, offering spiritual anchors in turbulent times. Sr. Franciszka, who also dedicates her time to the Ecclesiastic Tribunal, passionately articulates their overarching philosophy: that spiritual support is inextricably linked with material and psychological aid. "We not only want these people to live another day," she explained, "but also that they be able to find meaning and hope."
Though the Poor Clare Sisters remain largely outside the public eye due to their cloistered existence, their tireless service speaks volumes. They do not merely alleviate poverty in its material sense; they enrich lives with the spiritual wealth of prayer. Their selfless dedication to contemplation stands as a profound testament to the transformative power of faith in society. This tradition of intercession, as Sr. Agnes Mupunga, former Mother Abbess, noted, flows directly from St. Clare herself, who blessed the sick and brought healing through her prayers. Despite their contemplative lifestyle, the sisters maintain a deep engagement with the world through their continuous prayers, with their core mission centered on interceding for the universal Church and the global community. Their doors remain open, a silent invitation to all who seek their prayerful embrace.
In a world perpetually challenged by uncertainty and conflict, the Poor Clare Sisters of Waterfalls stand as a beacon, offering a timeless message of enduring hope. Their lives, devoted to prayer and reflection, serve as a potent reminder that even amidst chaos, a boundless source of comfort and strength is always accessible. The heartfelt testimony of Dominic Anderson Beharry, a local parishioner, encapsulates this impact: "My late wife was diagnosed with cancer and needed USD 700 every Tuesday for chemotherapy, which I couldn't afford. I visited the Poor Clare Sisters who prayed with and comforted me. It is still a mystery that from then on, my wife never missed a session of chemotherapy."
As Pope Leo XIV so wisely observed, "Our world, wounded by war, violence, and injustice, needs to hear the Gospel message of God's love." The Poor Clare Sisters in Žytomyr, through their quiet strength and unwavering faith, are living out this profound message every single day.