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Father Ihor Holovko, parish priest of the Ukrainian Catholic community in Perth, joined Archbishop Costelloe SDB in St Mary‘s Cathedral today for the celebration of Mass to mark Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season of Lent. 

Father Ihor assisted the Archbishop with the distribution of ashes to the congregation and also with the distribution of Holy Communion.

At the beginning of Mass, the Archbishop reminded the congregation of the call by Pope Francis to make Ash Wednesday a day of special prayer and fasting in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to pray for the gift of peace.

At the end of Mass, Father Ihor thanked everyone for the support for the people of Ukraine which has been so evident not only in the Catholic community, but in the wider community of Perth and Western Australia.  

Father Ihor spoke of the deep sadness of his people and of the horror which is being visited upon them and asked for continued prayers, not only for the end of the war, but for the restoration of peace. 

The Ukrainian Catholic Church is one of a number of Eastern Churches which, while retaining their ancient traditions, are in full Communion with the Pope.
 

Media enquiries should be directed to:
Brett Mendez
Media Manager, Catholic Archdiocese of Perth
Telephone: 08 9313 2241 Mobile: 0448 791 661
Email: brett.mendez@perthcatholic.org.au