Colorado pastor finds deep love for Eucharist in Ukraine

Published: 2005-10-24

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CNS) -- Father Paul Wicker brought an important message back from his trip to Ukraine: Celebrate your faith and embrace the Eucharist. The pastor of Holy Apostles Parish in Colorado Springs spent six weeks in the former Soviet republic, which is enjoying a political and, for Catholics, religious rebirth. "There is a conspiracy of divine compassion with Christ (in Ukraine)," said Father Wicker. "It's a joy and enthusiasm this world cannot give. We need that enthusiasm of faith. We need to be conscious of the Eucharist." When he returned to the United States, Father Wicker was taken aback by how lackadaisical some Americans are toward their faith by comparison. "I was astounded by the nonchalant way we take in the Eucharist -- if there's time for Mass in our schedules," he said. "The Ukrainian people are discovering their identity with Christ as the center of their lives."

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