Ukraine in the 16th century was extremely volatile, with Christians aligning themselves on opposing sides. One group of Christians wanted to remain separated from Rome, while the other wanted to be fully united to the pope.
St. Josaphat initially grew up on the side of Christians who wanted to stay cut-off from Rome, but eventually was attracted to the truth and beauty of the Catholic Church.
Pope Pius XI explains this initial attraction in his encyclical, Ecclesiam Dei.
He took this divine mission seriously, and after being ordained a priest, strove to "capture" souls for the Church. St. Josaphat did this with gentleness and compassion, leading by his example of life
St. Josaphat cared for everyone, practicing what he preached, doing all that he could for both the wealthy and the poor.
St. Josaphat continues to be an inspiration to us all and an example of how to achieve unity within the Church. It must be done so through dialogue, but most of all, through a holiness of life.
