By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Circle of the Catenians attended the Blessing of the Ukrainian Icon of Our Lady of Victories, in Aldershot, last week.
IW president, David Shields, of Cowes, was at the Armed Forces Cathedral of St Michael and St George along with other members of the association and the Catholic Military Association.
The two associations financed the purchase of the icon from St Anthony’s Iconography studio in Lviv, Ukraine, close to the monastery of St Clement, where it was written. Under the guidance of artist, Oksana Zhuravska, the studio continues the centuries-old traditions of well-known Ukrainian iconographers.
The icon has been 18 months in the making, as delays resulted from problems connected with the War in Ukraine. Key staff had been called up to the front line before returning to this project. The Icon was blessed by Bishop Paul Mason (Bishop-in-ordinary to His Majesty’s Forces) and Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski (Eparchial Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family).
The Catenians GB National President, Gerry McCormack, and Past President, Roger Lillie also attended the service, along with senior officials and members of the association.
The Catenians Association is a worldwide group of Catholic laymen who meet regularly to enjoy each other’s company and to help and support each other throughout the world.
Isle of Wight Observer