Archbishop Borys Gudziak took part in IDEA Week hosted by the University of Notre Dame

On Tuesday, April 18th Archbishop Borys Gudziak took part in IDEA Week hosted by the University of Notre Dame – an event to highlight innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Tuesday, the second day of the event, had the focus on technology and its application to help global refugees and migrants in crisis. Archbishop Borys was introduced by Maryna Chuma, the current president of the Ukrainian Club of the University of Notre Dame and a second-generation Ukrainian whose grandparents were immigrants of Ukraine after the Second World War. Archbishop spoke of his own personal story on migration as a son of refugees and someone who has moved many times from country to country and elaborated on the current state of Ukrainians both in and out of Ukraine.

Archbishop closed with what he feels is at the heart of the issue on a spiritual level. “We can go through a lot if we know who we are…A migrant is pushed to forget who he or she is. A migrant is in danger of losing their identity – culturally, geographically, linguistically, and religiously – but the most dangerous thing is when we forget who we are in the heart of hearts. It is so important for us to know who we are. We are called to know that we are Jesus’ brothers and sisters, the beloved sons and daughters of the Father. And it is in this identity that we do not get lost.”

He thanked all present for all they do to help Ukrainians and those in need before answering questions for attendees moderated by Father Daniel Groody, Vice President and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education. Fr. Groody specialized in migration and refugee challenges and had joined Archbishop on a visit to Ukraine last summer. Fr. Groody shared how amazed he was by the strength and resilience of Ukrainians, notwithstanding Russia's persistent invasion.

In closing, the Archbishop encouraged participants to continue their assistance, specifically in helping the newcomers and sponsors through the creation of Welcome Circles. Welcome Circles was started by the Migration and Refugee Services office of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and has been supported by Archbishop Borys. To learn more about Welcome Circles, please visit www.usccb.org/welcomecirlces.