The current war situation is well known; unfortunately, it is seeing an intensification of missile attacks – perhaps to stake a claim ahead of a forthcoming ceasefire, as might be inferred from certain diplomatic moves in recent weeks – which are striking well beyond conventional boundaries. In this regard, Father Barone draws attention to the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026, which will be held in Gdańsk (Danzig), Poland, from 25 to 26 June 2026.

His journey, which he is undertaking with the reporter from Missioni Don Bosco, Ester Negro, will serve first and foremost to capture, with his eyes and his heart, “the seeds of hope sprouting in a land drenched in the blood of too many young lives killed or cut short in the hope of a better future.”

The journey will first take them to Lviv and Vynnyky, then to Kyiv and Zhytomyr, the cities where the support provided by the Salesian organisation headed by Fr Barone has been concentrated. There are numerous projects, supported by Italian benefactors ever since the re-establishment of the Salesian presence in Ukraine in 2004.

Since 2021, when the rumblings of war intensified, there have been frequent exchanges between the Greek-Catholic Salesian community and the organisation at the Mother House in Valdocco, taking many forms. Similarly, aid to the Polish Catholic mission has continued to support initiatives for young people and families in the cities of Odessa and Zhytomyr.

“These days, I carry with me the aid, prayers and solidarity of men and women who believe in Don Bosco’s educational vision, which is embodied in the lives of the Salesians, volunteers and local workers. They were in Ukraine before the war and have not retreated a single step during these years of conflict. I am certain they will still be there when this tragedy comes to an end.”

For further information, visit the website: www.missionidonbosco.org