Icons of Faith, Mars Field, Lviv

Boys of a Nation

Jan 07, 2026

I snapped this shot of these young boys at Mars Field, Lviv, praying over a grave ... I'm not sure what's happening but their sadness and young confusion jarred me. Was it a brother? Their Dad? ... I just don't know. There are so many, so many.

Today, out of thin air, I spoke with some amazing gentlemen from a highly regarded film production company that is aligned with what I'm doing ... and like I just wrote about those boys, I have no idea what's happening. Trust. Pure Trust. I am just answering every feeling and stepping Forward into this calling, recording, listening, witnessing it all.

The loss ... On my third day in Ukraine, I arrived in a Soviet era dormitory now occupied as a seminary. Lying in my bunk, looking at the ceiling and wondering 'what the hell am I doing here?' I've let-down those closest to me, people I love immensely. I've disregarded commitments, I've been hurtful, selfish to those who care about my well-being by traveling headfirst into the world's hottest conflict-zone for no sound reason - other than I was called to do this.

This sure isn't an adventure ... It's enormously confusing, emotional, it's beyond me. I've abandon commitments, risked my life and compromised the most beautiful relationships I could ask for. What now?

Forward.

My letter to the Patriarch and Bishops of Ukraine

Adam Mitchell
December 14, 2025

The Memorial of St. John of the Cross

His Beatitude Sviatoslav,

Glory to Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this letter is to request assistance in documenting the pastoral work of Catholic priests in Ukraine as they minister to the faithful under the immense stress of war. I hope to capture the significance of this ministry through photography and video so that it may be shared with Catholic audiences in the United States and abroad.

My name is Adam Mitchell, and I have served for over ten years as the Digital Media Manager for the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America (Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers). Much of my work focuses on documenting our mission among marginalized communities and publishing this content across appropriate online channels for mission advancement, vocations, and fundraising for apostolic projects. I am deeply passionate about this work and frequently spend my weekends traveling and documenting Catholic missionary discipleship through photography and video.

It is my goal to travel to Ukraine this month, with the specific objective of documenting the Christmas season among those most impacted by the war, those who, despite immense suffering, find Salvation, Hope, and solemnity in the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. My focus is not solely on the faithful, but especially on the courage, sacrifices, and spiritual fatherhood of the priests who serve them.

Fully aware of the risks and security concerns involved, I am committed to working in close collaboration with the broader Ukrainian Catholic community and will gladly conform to any guidelines or structures necessary to ensure that my presence and work are a support rather than a burden.

While there is a strong possibility that this material could later be used in collaboration with Maryknoll, through Maryknoll Magazine or the Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns, it is my intention to undertake this project initially on my own time and at my own expense.

I have previously worked extensively in East Africa, South America, and the Amazon, and my photography and video work have been widely published in Catholic media. I would be happy to share my portfolio with you for your review.

I would welcome any time you might have to speak further about this proposal, and I look forward to discerning the next steps toward this goal with your blessing, guidance and support.

Please know, I will prayerfully await your response.

Your friend in Christ,
Adam Mitchell