Among the participants of «Jubilee», a general audience with Pope Francis was held at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, on May 14, 2016, on occasion of the Holy Year of Mercy. Students and the administration of the St. Josafat Pontifical Ukrainian Collegium.
Читай українською: УКРАЇНСЬКІ СТУДЕНТИ ПАПСЬКОЇ УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ КОЛЕГІЇ СВЯТОГО ЙОСАФАТА ЗУСТРІЛИСЯ З ПАПОЮ ФРАНЦИСКОМ
After having received the blessing from the Pontiff, they had the opportunity to briefly talk with him and have a group photo taken. Following the liturgical tradition, the Pope greeted the Ukrainians, in their native language, saying: «Khrystos Voskres!».
The peculiarity of this audience was the fact that the Ukrainian students presented to the Bishop of Rome a small blue-and-yellow flag, in acknowledgement of the Pope’s continual prayer in support of the Ukrainian people and the uneasiness of those suffering from the consequences of war.
The Holy Father also gladly accepted a T-shirt with the image of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, the righteous Servant of God. This gift reflects the students’ hope and anticipation for the Metropolitans rapid beatification. The photo shows Roman Demush presenting this T-shirt to the Pope.
The audience concluded with a common prayer for peace in Ukraine and with singing the paschal troparion, «Christ is risen from the dead…».
Roman Demush
Based on: Vatican Radio
