Surprise, inspiration, hope, perspective. These are among the feelings the cover of ONE’s September 2026 issue is intended to elicit.
Photographed by journalist Anna Klochko, Oleksandra Paskal, a young gymnast in southwestern Ukraine, captures the courageous spirit of all who rise above the hardships and crises in their surroundings to persevere — and there are many such people featured in this issue of ONE.
After losing her leg in a Russian missile attack, Oleksandra decided she wanted to return to the gym with her friends, to continue training and competing. She recently won a gold medal at a competition in Romania.
Her inspiring story is recounted by Ms. Klochko in the article, “Stepping In,” which also reports on the efforts of dedicated adults in Ukraine who are mobilizing around war-affected children and providing them with a sense of hope for the future.
The church, of course, is always there, present among the people, walking with them, responding to their spiritual and physical needs, and providing them with the hope and stability essential to their persevering.
In this same vein, this issue of ONE also brings you stories about:
- Small grassroots initiatives in the Holy Land, including members of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities, working to advance peace and promote interreligious dialogue in the article, “Times Will be Better”.
- Dedicated religious sisters, in “A Letter From Ethiopia,” who continue to care for the most vulnerable in Ethiopia, even after the majority of humanitarian aid organizations have left.
- Refugee families in Jordan, trying to build a future for their children with the help of the church.
In ONE’s ongoing series marking CNEWA’s centennial this year, Executive Editor Michael J. La Civita recounts a period of exciting growth at CNEWA, starting in the late 1960s into the 1980s. The series will be compiled into a book to be published in 2027.
In his regular column, Msgr. Peter I. Vaccari, CNEWA president, speaks about a recent meeting at the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV and other church organizations dedicated to providing support for the Eastern churches, as well as news about upcoming events for CNEWA’s centennial.
In additional coverage this month, in which the Catholic Church marks the Season of Creation, ONE’s freelancers are reporting on various awareness-raising and sustainability initiatives related to caring for creation in the regions where CNEWA works. Be sure to look out for these articles on CNEWA’s website throughout September.
We hope you enjoy the issue.