Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Cardinal Mykola Bychok led Pontifical Vespers in Rome
December 10, 2024
On December 9, 2024, the newly proclaimed Cardinal Mykola Bychok, Bishop of the Eparchy of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Melbourne, presided over the Pontifical Vespers in the Chapel of Our Most Holy Lady of Pompei at the Domus Australia in Rome.
The solemn service was attended by Bishop Gregory Bennett, Vice President of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference; Father Christopher de Souza, Secretary General of the Conference; the Ambassador of Australia to Italy, Mrs. Julianne Cowley; clergy and guests from Ukraine and Australia; local clergy; and Australians living in Rome.
In his homily, the cardinal recalled his Australian predecessor, Cardinal George Pell: “It was the vision of Cardinal George Pell that brought to fruition the dream of having an Australian church and pilgrim centre here in Rome.”
Bishop Mykola also spoke about the connection between the Ukrainian community and the Australian House: “What you may not know is that there is also a Ukrainian connection to this place. The late Fr. Adrian Ckuj, a priest of our Eparchy and the brother of my Vicar General, Fr. Simon, served as procurator of the Archdiocese of Sydney to facilitate the purchase of this property and the initial stages of its redevelopment.”
Cardinal Mykola Bychok expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the superior of the Australian House, Fr. Joseph Hamilton, and all his priests and staff for their hospitality; to the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Archdiocese of Sydney, and the Archdiocese of Melbourne for their generous support; and to all those who attended the prayer service, especially those who travelled from far away.
During the service, the image of Our Lady of the Southern Cross, the Patroness of Australia, was blessed. Bishop Mykola said that for many years the centre of his prayer life was a rosary and noted, “The rosary is a spiritual sword. It is this spiritual sword that will help the people of Ukraine to overcome the enemy. It is a power of prayer and the intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God that empowers all of us to fight ‘the good fight’ and to make known the love of God in Ukraine, Australia, and throughout the world.”
In conclusion, Bishop Mykola called on the audience: “Please pray for me that I may faithfully serve the Church and the Holy Father as a cardinal. Your prayers give me great strength to carry this cross” and invite everyone to pray one dozen rosaries for peace in Ukraine and around the world.
