The Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Luis Martinez Sistach, felt that Ukrainians are a believing nation

“The great number of people present at the Divine Liturgy in Zarvanytsia is a testimony that the Ukrainians are a believing nation.” These words were said by the Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Luis Martinez Sistach, during the celebrations of All-Ukrainian and youth pilgrimage to Zarvanytsia on 16-17 July. Cardinal Sistach arrived in Ukraine at the invitation of the UGCC Head, His Beatitude Sviatoslav. The Archbishop of Barcelona said that he felt a “warm welcome” in Ukraine. “As the Blessed John Paul II said, ‘Ukraine is a Marian nation.’ I could witness that, first of all, during the procession. I could see young people who gave testimony of their faith” – said Cardinal Luis Martinez Sistach. The Cardinal recalled that in Barcelona there are many Ukrainians who have their own church, who gather there for Liturgies. “We will always try to help develop this structure by providing all the needed support. It is important for us that we also have a protector, the Virgin of Montserrat, who protects not only people of Catalonia but also the Ukrainians, because we are all Christians. Those who come to us, regardless of their nationality, feel at home in Barcelona, because we are Christians” – underlined the Cardinal of Barcelona. The Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, expressed his gratitude to the Cardinal for the pastoral care of Ukrainians in Spain.

UGCC  Information Department