“Ticket of Hope”: How Ukrainian Youth Can Become a Voice of Hope in Rome
On the initiative of Most Rev. Bryan Bayda, chairman of the Patriarchal Commission on Youth of the UGCC, and with the support of bishops from the United States and Canada, the Ticket of Hope campaign was launched to help Ukrainian youth participate in the Jubilee Year in Rome. This initiative aims to support 100 young people from eastern, central, and southern Ukraine.
As reported by DyvenSvit, Fr. Roman Demush, Deputy Chairman of the Patriarchal Commission on Youth Affairs, noted that His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the UGCC, has often emphasized that the burden of this war has fallen primarily on the shoulders of young people—especially those in central, eastern, and southern Ukraine, who have remained in these regions, serving as both a human shield and a visible sign of hope.
“At the initiative of the head of the Patriarchal Commission on Youth Affairs of the UGCC, Bishop Bryan Bayda, we launched this campaign during Lent as an opportunity to perform works of mercy during this special period for every Christian. The first to support this initiative were parishes and families from Canada and the United States,” said Fr. Roman. “However, anyone interested can contribute by purchasing a Ticket of Hope for young Ukrainians, allowing them to attend the Youth Jubilee in Rome, bear witness to the truth about Ukraine, and be the face and voice of hope in the world. We encourage all people of goodwill to join us and become a sign of hope for these young people.”
It is important to emphasize that the participation of Ukrainian youth in these events is not only an opportunity to attend a significant gathering of the Catholic Church but also a chance to experience unity and support from millions of people worldwide.
Immediately after the initiative was launched, the first five tickets for young participants were provided by the organizers of the All-American Youth Pilgrimage.
“Every pilgrimage has its defining elements: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. As part of the preparation for the next All-American Youth Pilgrimage in Parma, USA, and with the blessing of Bishop Bohdan Danylo (Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma), members of the organizing committee decided to give young Ukrainians the opportunity to take part in the pilgrimage to Rome. For those living across the ocean, it is crucial to express solidarity with the youth of Ukraine, who are enduring the horrors of war. Let these ‘Tickets of Hope’ be a small reflection of the great love that the Lord bestows on our youth and our homeland,” said Fr. Ihor Darmohrai, a member of the organizing committee of the All-American Youth Pilgrimage.
To see the list of beneficiaries, please click here.
The Patriarchal Commission on Youth Affairs of the UGCC invites you to take part in this good cause and become a patron of the Ticket of Hope.
The UGCC Department for Information
