On 10 July, a special event took place for JRS – Ukraine. Our new office in Lviv officially became operational. With these new facilities we will complement our activities and programmes, which currently play a key role in the city. 

At the inauguration, I was fortunate to participate as Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Europe, representing our 23 country offices across Europe. 

We want to continue to show our support and closeness to our colleagues who are going through a particularly difficult time since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and the great exodus of displaced persons and refugees. 

Being among the most vulnerable displaced people to comfort and console them has been a key principle of JRS Ukraine since its creation. 

The new office will complement the JRS shelters in Lviv, which offer accommodation and social services to internally displaced people. The new office will become a base for our activities and services, available to all Ukrainians forced to flee their homes. 

In the midst of so much meaninglessness and pain, we celebrate hope in our new offices in Lviv. 

I am very proud and grateful for our JRS Ukraine team, led by JRS Ukraine Director Inga Dul, and for the Jesuit companions who remain so lovingly committed to accompanying, serving and advocating for the most vulnerable displaced people. 

I return to Brussels with a grateful heart, always a little broken as I feel the pain of the families up close, but with the hope that everyone transmits to me. Thank you very much. 

Alberto Ares, SJ