Two denominations, two languages - one home: In March, a Ukrainian family found shelter with the Franciscan nuns in Vienna. You grew up together a long time ago. They are all united by cordiality, charity – and the hope of peace for all.
In March it was time for the Franciscan nuns in Vienna-Simmering to move closer together: they had made room in their home for a refugee family from the Ukraine. This has resulted in a beautiful collaboration. We visited the colorful community at Christmas and found a surprising amount of humor – and a great desire for peace.
As we enter the religious house in Vienna-Simmering, we hear children singing “Jingle Bells”. Coincidence often produces the most beautiful moments. Sr. Elisabeth (54) greets us with a smile and leads us to the living quarters where the family from Ukraine has been living since March.
And a little girl peeks out from behind the door. It is the youngest of the family, Polina (5). Behind her are her sisters Mariia (10) and Oleksandra (8), pressed close to Mama Olena (38) and Papa Maksym (38). And of course grandma Vera and grandpa Olexandr are also there.
Same humor on both sides
We all sit together at the table: with nine nuns, three guests and a family of seven, that means: getting together! But that is nothing new to them and rather leads to humiliation and hearty laughter. In general, it seems that people with the same sense of humor have gathered here.
The starting point was that people in need could be helped and rooms could become available: “We wanted to help them find a place here where they would feel comfortable,” says sister Annemarie (76).
The family was initially ten, but the sister-in-law returned home with her two children to her husband, who was not allowed to leave the country.
Orthodox family actually celebrate in January
This year, the women’s Christmas tree is not decorated with straw stars as usual, but “with white crocheted stars”, emphasizes sr. Michaela (71), who is responsible for the tree.
And although the Orthodox family does not celebrate Christmas until January, they like to share the special atmosphere of these days with the sisters: Maksym helped with the decorations, Grandma Vera baked cookies, the children made stars. Even small gifts changed hands.
“Want to shelter, not force conversion”
Only the Christmas that Maksym left out: “We don’t go to church that often,” he reveals. Sr. Elisabeth laughs: “I remember him asking when we moved in, ‘Do we have to go to all the prayers?’ No, of course not. We want to provide shelter, not force converts.”
Family and sisters “complement each other”
“The sisters give us so much,” says Maksym, “I have no words for how grateful we are to them.” At home, in the Ukraine, siren alarms sounded constantly, people had to constantly look for protection, children were excluded from a normal life for them.
„Artisan men are already pleasant”
“We are also grateful”, says Zr. Elisabeth and smiles: “Many men who are gifted with their hands are nice, but we always need help. Maksym just fixed the front door.”
Maksym also helps with the parish food distribution for the needy, otherwise you cook and eat together, stand in for each other, wipe dust, sand furniture etc.
“You notice that they want to give something back,” says Zr. Elizabeth. “And,” sister Annemarie blurts out, “grandma even makes us pancakes in the morning.” It’s just “nice to know: this family is ours.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
