At the camp near the St. John Paul II Spiritual and Pastoral Center, where the children of Ukraine’s defenders and fallen heroes are spending their vacation this week, a performance of the environmental play “The Secret of the Little Owl” was staged by actors from the Transcarpathian Academic Regional Puppet Theater “Bavka.”

In an accessible and engaging way, the play introduced the children to the life of the barn owl—one of Ukraine’s most fascinating nocturnal birds. The young audience learned about the important role these owls play in nature, their significance in maintaining the natural balance, and the need to preserve their habitats. Through the story of the Little Owl, the children learned to be more mindful of wildlife and to realize that even its smallest inhabitants need human care.

The event was organized by the MGKE’s Ecology Commission in collaboration with the Interreligious and Environmental Civil Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF), with the support of the Archdiocese of Bamberg (Erzbistum Bamberg).

In times of war, when many children carry the pain of loss, anxiety, and uncertainty in their hearts, such gatherings become not only an opportunity to discover the beauty of God’s creation, but also a space for inner healing. Through the story of the Little Owl, shared emotions, and the discovery of the natural world, children learn trust, compassion, hope, and responsibility for all living things. This is precisely how environmental education is combined with spiritual values, helping young hearts find peace, feel God’s love, and discover themselves as caring stewards of God’s creation.

IRCEF Information Service