Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky was a Ukrainian bishop who just barely survived the labour camps in his country. He was invited to Winnipeg where he would eventually succumb to ill-health brought on by his experiences in these camps. You can read more about him here.

A number of people have told me of this blessed bishop and so I visited the martyr’s shrine last year. I bought the blessed oil that is said to have fallen from an icon before his remains which are still somewhat in tact. The website says the oil is immersed in a relic of the saint which may be more accurate but there is something holy in kneeling before the remains. People come and go, placing their petitions before this bishop.

I have anointed myself with the oil on occasion throughout my illness and for many months I prayed for his intercession. I found it helpful. You can too if you wish:

INTERCESSORY PRAYER TO BLESSED VASYL

O Lord God, You are praised by the whole world for the marvelous works in your saints. I thank you for the grace you gave to Blessed Martyr Vasyl Velychkovsky to be a faithful witness to You unto the point of death. Through his intercession I ask for the following favour ________ for your Name is glorified forever. Amen.

Reflection Questions

Do you believe in the intercessory power of the saints?

Do you have a saint in your city that you would like to eleven more about?

Prayer

Creator God, you have blessed us with many holy men and women who are gracious guides for holy living. Thank you for the gift of Blessed Vasyl to my city and to so many around the world. Amen.