On November 30, in Lviv, Yulia, a 19-year-old candidate of the Missionary Sisters of the Most Holy Redeemer, solemnly began her novitiate in the community. During the rite of investiture (the receiving of the religious habit), held at the Redemptorist church in Lviv, Yulia chose the religious name Renata, symbolizing her rebirth in faith and dedication to a life of service.
Yulia’s journey with the Redemptorist community began long before her formal entrance into the novitiate. Raised in the Redemptorist parish in Ivano-Frankivsk, she actively participated in parish life, growing in faith alongside many young people. A year and a half ago, she took the significant step of joining the Missionary Redemptorist Sisters.
The celebration took place in Lviv, at the Redemptorist church that houses the relics of the blessed bishop and martyr Mykola Charnetskyi. The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Fr. Volodymyr Boreiko, CSsR, the Provincial Superior of the Lviv Province, with the participation of Redemptorist fathers, contemplative Redemptoristine Sisters, and Missionary Redemptorist Sisters. The gathering was a testimony to the unity and shared mission of the Redemptorist Family in Ukraine, which belongs to the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church—one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches that preserve the Byzantine Rite and its rich spiritual heritage.
November 30 is a day of special significance for the Greek-Catholic Church, as it commemorates Saint Andrew the Apostle, traditionally recognized as the one who brought the Christian faith to the lands of present-day Ukraine. The Gospel reading for the day (John 1:35–51) recounts the calling of the first disciples, a passage that resonated deeply with the event. Yulia’s “yes” to her vocation became a living illustration of how to respond to Christ’s call.
In his homily, Fr. Volodymyr Boreiko reflected on the power of the Gospel and its relevance in today’s world. He encouraged the young people present to listen to their hearts and discern their life’s path with courage. He also called on the community to pray daily for vocations to consecrated life, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who answer God’s call, especially in challenging times.
Events like this—filled with light, faith, and hope—hold profound significance for Ukraine, a nation that continues to endure the hardships of war. The novitiate of Sister Renata serves as a reminder that Christ calls each of us to follow Him, regardless of the circumstances or challenges we face.
As the Redemptorist Family in Ukraine continues its mission, let us keep the people of Ukraine in our prayers and thoughts, asking for peace, strength, and renewed hope.
Sr. Alfonsa Karapata, MSsR.
Provincial Superior
