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Sister Mary Holowaty, SSMI 1930-2020
On October 11, 2020, Sister Mary Holowaty, of Ancaster, ON, died at the age of 90, having served 73 years in religious life. Her Life Mary was born in Kitchener, ON, on February 22, 1930, daughter of William (Vasyl) Holowaty and Anne Zuk (Жук), who had both immigrated from the Ternopil region of Ukraine. She was the second of five children, with an older brother, Joseph, two younger brothers, Michael and Walter, and a younger sister, Barbara. Her father and brother Joseph had been ca
Bethany Home Annual Retreat
The Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate at Bethany Home in Winnipeg gathered in August for their annual retreat, where they were invited to pray and reflect on Pope Frances' encyclical, "Laudate Si" (LS), ("Praised Be"). LS is a quotation from St. Frances' own prayer of giving praise to God for Creation. The Encyclical draws on Scripture, church teachings and contemporary scientific explorations. LS is a testament to God who willed all of Creation into being out of God's immense love, as well as
SSMI Celebrate 190 Years of Collective Lives of Service for God’s People.
The heart is truly grateful when it finds it’s Life Path of self-giving Service to Others. SSMI in Winnipeg celebrated their Jubilarian Sisters with great joy on Sunday, August 23 with a Liturgy of Thanksgiving celebrated by Metropolitan Lawrence. Some close friends joined later for a relaxing afternoon in an outdoor space that provided a celebration spirit of appreciation. Sr. Andrea Kruk (60 Year Jubilee), Sr. Marianne Telenko (75 Year Jubilee), and Sr. Ruth Aney (55 Year Jubilee) Sister Maria
Sisters Share the Joy of Consecrated Life from Afar
Sister Lawrencia Semjaniv, SSMI – 60th Anniversary of Consecrated Life The parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Montreal, celebrated a Divine Liturgy for the intention of Sister Lawrencia Semjaniv, SSMI, who is celebrating her 60th Anniversary of Consecrated Life this year. The celebration took place on the evening of August 19, 2020, the Feast of the Transfiguration, on the Julian Calendar, with pastor, Rev. Ihor Oshchipko presiding. Sister Lawrencia entered the SSMI Congrega
Marian Pilgrimage 2020
This year the Marian Pilgrimage was cancelled to the public due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. In line with the Government and Eparchial restrictions, the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate honoured the day by having a private mini-pilgrimage. Reverend Yuriy Tykhyy and his Dobrodijka Marijka came from Toronto to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the Sisters home Chapel. After the Divine Liturgy, we processed to the “Ancaster Mother of God Shrine” while reciting the Rosary. We completed the Rosary at t
Announcement of Retirement of Jean Piché, CEO of Holy Family Home
The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, the Holy Family Home Board and administration wish to announce the retirement of the long-time facility’s CEO, Mr. Jean Piché and at the same time express appreciation and gratitude for the 20 years of dedicated service to the Holy Family Home.
Trust God in our Life Journey
"Trust God in our Life Journey" This is a statement that has become very real in Sister Charlene Belay’s life. Over twenty years ago she had the notion that she wanted to be a nurse. However, the timing was not right. She was afraid that she did not have what it takes. God had another plan for her, one that would surround her with a loving community that is encouraging and supportive. Through her trust in God, this call to serve others as a nurse is now becoming a reality. In a few months Siste
Sisters embrace their Ministry of Hospitality with their Whole Hearts
The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate still own and operate Holy Family Home, a long term care facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Although there are only a few Sisters that are still directly involved in the day-to-day life at the Home, during this time of the COVID 19 pandemic the Sisters at Bethany Home have stepped in to help. At Holy Family Home, the sisters are connecting with residents and helping out the staff. Sisters Jean, Ruth, Pavla, Joanne, Emily and Darleane have been helping to feed
73rd Marian Pilgrimage/Vidpust Cancelled
The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, regret to inform you that the 73rd Marian Pilgrimage/Vidpust, originally set for June 28, 2020 at Mount Mary, in Ancaster is cancelled due to the Covid Pandemic. Be assured that, especially on that day, the Sisters will offer prayers for the Church, clergy and faithful of this Eparchy. “O Most Holy Mother of God, pray for us.”
Sister Hilary Lenyk, SSMI 1924-2020
Sister Hilary Lenyk died peacefully, at St. Boniface Hospital Winnipeg, MB on April 22, 2020, at the age of 95; a Sister Servant of Mary Immaculate for 77 years. Olga was born August 22, 1924, to Athanasius and Sophie (Bay) in Guernsey, Saskatchewan. Her parents immigrated from western Ukraine, settling in SK. Olga had two sisters and three brothers. Two brothers died in infancy. Olga was always grateful to God for her parents for their love. Their deep prayer life was a witness to nurturing Ol
Sister Anne Marie Kozakewich, SSMI 1919 – 2020
Sister Anne Marie Kozakewich, a Sister Servant of Mary Immaculate, passed away at Bethany Home, Winnipeg, MB on 29 March 2020. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday and gave 79 years to religious life. Born - 29 December 1919 Entered - 26 May 1941 Clothing Day - 26 November 1941 First Vows - 27 November 1943 Final Vows - 15 August 1950 Anne Kozakewich was born on December 29, 1919, in Parkerview, SK, daughter of Theodore (Fred) Kozakewich and Eudoxia (Dora), nee Kohuch. She had two brothers
COVID-19 – A Letter from Rome
Please click on the links below to read a letter from Sr. Sofija Lebedowicz, SSMI - General Superior Our prayers are with you during this time. COVID-19 Letter from Rome COVID-19 Letter from Rome English