'A hope that never disappoints'
By Svitlana Dukhovych and Linda Bordoni
As thousands of young people gather in Rome during the Jubilee Year celebrations, Bishop Bryan Bayda, Chairman of the Ukrainian Commission of Youth of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, reflects on the powerful witness of faith provided by young Ukrainian pilgrims who, despite the immense difficulties wrought by war, have come to celebrate their Jubilee with the ĐÓMAPµĽş˝.
Reflecting on the significance of the Jubilee of Hope, Bishop Bayda described it as a “golden opportunity” for youth to encounter Christ and discover a deeper calling. “Hope does not disappoint,” he said, echoing the words of ĐÓMAPµĽş˝ Leo XIV as he welcomed the young pilgrims.
A ministry of presence and testimony
Bishop Bayda has participated in nine World Youth Days since 2002, but this year’s gathering, he said, carries a particular weight. As head of the Patriarchal Commission appointed by Patriarch Sviatoslav, he has helped coordinate the arrival of over 30 groups of young people, many from war-torn regions of Ukraine.
“These young pilgrims are not just coming to see Rome,” he said. “They are witnessing to the world the depth of their faith and their hope, even in the midst of great suffering.” The effort includes initiatives like “Tickets of Hope,” which raised over 75,000 Canadian dollars to bring 100 pilgrims from the front lines of the Ukrainian war to Rome.
Behind every smile is a hidden sacrifice
Bishop Bayda offered a sobering reminder that behind the joyful images often shared in the media, many young Ukrainians are carrying burdens invisible to the eye. “Some leave behind grandparents who have no one else to care for them,” he said. “They don’t know what will happen at home while they’re gone. People may look at them and think everything is fine because they’ve made it here, but they don’t see the sacrifices.”
The peace of Christ
Central to Bishop Bayda’s message was the concept of the peace of Christ. Drawing from the Gospels and personal reflection, he spoke of a peace that can be present even in the most painful circumstances. “Some of Jesus’ most peaceful moments were on the Cross,” he said. “He knew He was doing the will of the Father. That’s where true peace is found.”
Bishop Bayda has visited Ukraine four times in the past year, including areas near the front line. His pastoral visits, often accompanied by clergy from Ukrainian communities in Canada, he explained, were aimed at strengthening ties and understanding the reality on the ground: “We saw rehabilitation centres, mass graves, and places of unspeakable suffering, but we also saw how mercy and charity are alive.”
Call to discern and hope
When asked about his message to young people, Bishop Bayda acknowledged that each person’s spiritual journey is shaped by age, experience, and context. But one principle, he said, is universal: “Seek the will of the Father. What does that mean for you today? How are you called to sacrifice, to pray, to unite your will with His?”
"The enemy may destroy power stations in Ukraine with missiles,” he said, “but the Holy Spirit cannot be destroyed. Prayer, which is the solar panel to the soul, draws strength from the Spirit for all eternity. This is a hope that never disappoints.”
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