There is war in Ukraine. In June 2014 I finished studying at university and in September I entered the forces. It is in war that man starts to really value life, health, simple daily things – a good cup of coffee, a hamburger from McDonalds, a walk in fresh air. When you are back from this place in a peaceful city, you then understand that many people do not value the most precious things they have – life, hearing, sight, two legs…

I have lived in Medjugorje for some time and I have found hope again. I have met here those who were once drug addicts and alcoholics (in the community Cenacolo), those whom nothing in the world can help – no community, no medicine. They have fallen down so many times, so many times went back to drugs and alcohol, and it looked to be the end… but suddenly everything changed for them. Not because of some tablets or thanks to a world-famous psychiatrist, but because they re-found hope – hope and faith in Our Lady. And Our Lady leads us to Our Lord Jesus Christ – for whom nothing is impossible.

I was touched the most by the testimony of a boy, an ex-alcoholic, who shared his experience. Once a group of people with special needs came to Medjugorje and he was asked to help a boy to walk up the hill of Podbrdo. He stepped closer to the man who was in a wheelchair and they started together a common pilgrimage. When they finally got up to the top, he saw tears of gratitude in the eyes of the man. The boy told me that this was the most precious moment in his life for him – to see those tears of gratitude in the eyes of that man.

I am thankful to God and to Our Lady for this possibility to spend time in Medjugorje. I am thankful for all people I have met here and for the hope I have received.

May the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified!

(Taras, Ukraine)