How does this appointment, which comes at such a particular time, make you feel?
Actually, I have always been a priest in the midst of young people, the priest of young people, a priest of the peripheries, and I was not thinking of greater things like episcopal service; therefore, now in my heart, I have entrustment to God: if He has made this choice and if He sees possible what in my eyes is impossible, may He guide me.
As a bishop perhaps the challenges are greater in accompanying God's people, what do you think?
The bishop actually is always the pastor, his pasture is the faithful and all the clergy, so, of course, I think it is much more than being a superior of a religious house... But, on the other hand, this territory of Donbas has been very dear to me, I have always been close to young people and priests, for many years, through summer camps. In short, it is not a new territory for me, just as the people I will have to meet are not new.
How has Don Bosco's charism sustained you so far and how will it sustain you as bishop?
Don Bosco had huge faith in life; he always spoke of life as a great and precious gift from God, a treasure. Don Bosco also grew up in difficulties similar to those in our country today. So, I think he will be even closer to me in my ministry, inspiring me and accompanying me with the courage he had to guide youngsters and to be a good shepherd, as also represented by the Salesian cross of the good shepherd that is given to each of us and accompanies us throughout our lives. And Don Bosco never felt alone: even in the most difficult and trying moments, he knew that he had important figures near him, like don Cafasso for example, but he also had a strong sense of the presence of God and Mary Help of Christians. I consider myself fortunate to be currently the Rector of the Salesian work of Mary Help of Christians in Kyiv: I feel it very close to me and this I believe will be a strong point in the service I will have to perform.
Already back in 2020, you described a very difficult situation in Ukraine, with the war in Donbas going on since 2014 and poverty. How is the situation of the people now?
The situation has changed a lot and it has gotten worse, because people have lost, first of all, their loved ones, an immense pain that no one can soothe. Then, a great many have lost their homes and with the home all their work and life from previous years. Therefore, people's pain and their labors are all the greater.
A few days after the Russian invasion, you described celebrating Mass in bunkers. Is the Church today even more always present in places and among people with all the risks?
Yes, in fact, people are looking for God in various ways, an open search or a search through dialogue, and the Church, as always, tries to be close with a word, with support, affection, works of charity, today also with the accompaniment of those who are wounded by the war and families who have had to change their whole lives.
In your first prayer as bishop with your community, what will your intentions be?
I will pray for us to be able to find peace and joy in our hearts because this is the sign of God's presence accompanying His people on their journey. Peace is something we are all looking for, and with peace, I believe the people will be able to find that joy of the heart that is still very difficult to manifest today. But having God at one's side, nothing is impossible.
