On March 25, 2025, the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict celebrated the 25th anniversary of Sister Rafaela’s religious consecration to God and the Church.
The occasion began with a Jubilee Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Andrzej Zglejszewski. The liturgy served as a heartfelt expression of gratitude for Sister Rafaela’s faith-filled journey and her devoted service to the mission of the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict. After the Mass, a joyful reception followed, where family and friends gathered to share appreciation (and refreshments!).
On behalf of the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict, please keep Sister Rafaela’s nephew, Tanasijchuk Oleksandr Fedorovich, in your prayers. He is believed to have lost his life in the conflict amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Update as of October 2025: The body of Sister Rafaela’s nephew has been found and returned home. Please keep Sister Rafaela and her family in your prayers, and continue to pray for peace in Ukraine.
A Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Children of God.” In this time of great worry, we fervently pray that Your Holy Spirit sustain all the people of Ukraine to be vigilant and dedicated to peace and justice. Grant their leaders wisdom and prudence. Yet, may they also have the strength and perseverance to defend their land from all adversity and foreign attacks. Help us all to live according to your Divine Will.
O God, our Father, in the days to come, we beseech you to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the faithful departed into Your Heavenly Kingdom. We ask also that the Most Holy Mother of God extend her blessed mantle of protection over our Ukraine. Amen.