On April 8, when Roman Catholics around the world were celebrating Annunciation, a special exhibition opened in Sumy Roman Catholic parish of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The exhibition was timed to church holiday.
About 70 photographs depict women awaiting the miracle of birth. Replicas of paintings of famous artists are presented next to the images of contemporary photographers and amateurs, since anyone could participate in the event.
The parish priest Reverend Father Wojciech Stasevych explained that the main purpose of the exhibition, which was supported by the International Fund Caritas-Spes, Lublin University of Maria Sklodowska-Curie, and other sponsors, is to draw attention to the problems of motherhood, to show the importance of giving a new life, and joy of expecting it. Another purpose of the event is to raise funds for expectant mothers who are in trouble, in need of material assistance, to spiritually and physically support those who may be willing to risk termination of pregnancy.
Many parishioners have joined the noble cause of preserving life in a special way: in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church there is practice of “spiritual adoption” of an unborn child that is at risk of abortion on the day of the Annunciation. Spiritual adoption of a conceived child means a voluntary commitment to pray for the life of this child for nine months. Only God knows for whom those people pray.
The exhibition is open until April 21 in a basement under the Catholic church renovated by believers. The basement will serve as another art gallery for Sumy residents. It is planned to organize a variety of art events here in the future.
