Ukrainian Catholic University: A Summer School with Language, Culture and Soul

By Christine Kuzyk

Labour Day week-end has passed. Summer camps and holidays are long over. Students of all ages are back in the classroom, and the most popular question being asked is ‘What did you do over the summer?’ Or in my case, ‘How was your summer in Lviv?’

I never have difficulty in answering. Lviv, quite simply, has something for everyone. Its magnificent architecture has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city offers world class music, theatre and dining. The people are warm and welcoming. The coffee houses are among the best in Europe. And then there is the sheer delight of being surrounded by the language and cultural heritage of my ancestors, in a soulful environment where the church doors are always open. The summer programs at UCU embody this soul.

Imagine an environment where every morning you are greeted with ‘Слава Ісусу Христу’. The students in the corridors exude an enthusiasm for their studies that is palpable. You can feel their energy, their passion and their high-spirits. On the walls of the main staircase hang crosses that once graced beautiful churches, left to decay. In these halls, they find dignity and respect, surrounded by a Christian community that is committed to training future leaders and to the future of Ukraine. Quite often the student choir can be heard practising in the chapel, filling the air with our rich liturgical traditions.

I had the opportunity to meet many of the students participating in both the summer language and culture, and iconography classes. Their nationalities and backgrounds were varied: an American PhD candidate, a Polish priest, a Swiss businessman, a British art teacher from Germany, a young Australian exploring her roots. The classrooms were full of laughter as we bungled our way through the intricacies of Ukrainian grammar and shared our experiences of bazaars, marshrutky, and life in Lviv. A personal highlight was a trip to Lutsk with the iconography group, viewing the XI century 'Kholmska' Icon and sharing Mass with a local parish. My companion was 11 year-old Michael, who insisted on exploring and photographing every corner of the castle fortress. Remembering his youthful energy and sincerity brings a smile to my face. I have no doubt that one day he will follow in his parents’ foot-steps as a very active member of the UCU family.

Although the days went by quickly, the many memories will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend these programs and would be happy to provide further information and share my experience.

And how was your summer?

Christine Kuzyk is a Business Communications and ESL Trainer in Toronto. She can be contacted through UCEF Canada at ckuzyk@ucef.ca

PHOTO

L. to R.: Prof. Solomya Tymo, son Michael, Chiristine Kuzyk