1st August 2026

Last night  at least nine people were killed and more than two dozen injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. Fires and damage were reported in five areas of the capital, including in the western Solomyanskyi district, where a five-story residential building was partially destroyed. It followed a Russian aerial assault on Ukraine earlier this week involving powerful ballistic missiles. In the Volgograd region of Russia, a Ukrainian drone attack killed one person and injured eight. In Russia’s southern region of Rostov, a drone attack injured a woman in the town of Gukovo. Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries, with the objective of causing serious fuel shortages across the country.  Russia are now targeting Ukrainian petrol stations close to the front lines, although airstrikes, longer-distance drones and closer-range, smaller attack UAVs have also added to the toll, hitting targets near the capital Kyiv. 

Loving God, were are sad that Russians and Ukrainians continue to attack and kill one another. We ask for your loving care for the people of Ukraine, for all those suffering or afraid, and that you will be close to them and protect them. We pray that you will be with civilians suffering Ukrainian attacks in Russia.  We thank you for those who bring comfort and care to people in need, for medical  teams, and good neighbours. We pray for an end to this conflict, and end to death, fear, injury, pain and suffering. We pray for the world that in this moment of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in your ways so that peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for all the world.   Loving God, we ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen

Prayer from CAFOD, amended

Vaga took her 8 month old daughter, Nova, on an ordinary trip to post a package at the post office in Clifton, Arizona.  As she was in to Post Office she noticed Nova going limp so she  started patting her back. Within moments, she realised Nova had stopped breathing. Fortunately, postal clerk Mary Schwarz, was just  metres away. Mary is a former nurse with 13 years of experience.  "There was no thinking in that situation," she said. "I just jumped into action." Mary was unable to find a pulse and so immediately began CPR. After overhearing Vega tell a 911 Emergency dispatcher that Nova may have choked after trying to vomit, she also performed back thrusts in an effort to clear the baby's airway.

Clifton Police Lieutenant Shari Aguilar, also happened to be nearby, and responded to the emergency. Shari was aware of Mary's nursing background, and so teamed up with her to continue lifesaving care before making the quick decision to drive the infant to a nearby clinic. "I knew time was of the essence, and we needed to get that baby to the hospital as soon as possible," Shari said.  On the way, Mary held Nova in the front passenger seat and continued caring for her. About halfway to the clinic, the baby finally began breathing again before medical staff took over at the clinic. Nova was later transferred to Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, where she underwent surgery on July 21 to repair a hole in her heart.  Vega says she will never forget the strangers who stepped in when her family needed them most. "I am very grateful that there's kind people like that still in this world," she said. "I don't know why this happened, but I'm grateful it went the way it did, and I can't thank her enough."

Almighty God, your are alpha and omega

the beginning and the end.

You are author of life.

I am in awe of your creation.

You are my Comforter in sorrow, pain, or distress.

You free me from the chains of oppression.

You are my strength when I am weak.

You carry my burdens.

You light my path.

You forgive my wickedness.

I am amazed at your grace.

Your love is unconditional.

Lord, I love you.

All praise and honour,

glory, power, majesty and blessing

be to you one eternal God,

almighty Father, Son and Spirit

Amen.