Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate
The Sisters are committed to a communal life of prayer
and the service of God’s people.
The Sisters are committed to a communal life of prayer
and the service of God’s people.
Welcome to the Home of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Canada
Welcome to the website of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Canada.
The Congregation of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate is an international congregation of Sisters of the Ukrainian Catholic Church (of the Byzantine rite, in union with Rome). Founded over 100 years ago in Western Ukraine, the Sisters Servants strive to follow the example of their patroness, Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God. The Sisters are committed to a communal life of prayer and the service of God’s people, primarily but not exclusively, those of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
May you come to feel at home with the Sisters. May you find comfort, be enriched and grow in joy and peace, as you get to know them.
About the SSMI Crest
The crest of the Sisters Servants features …
~ the letter “M”: The Sisters, under the protection of Mary Immaculate, walking in faith and trust as she did;
~ the Cross: The Sisters …
- are followers of Christ
- have taken up their own cross
- hold Christ’s cross as their glory and salvation
~ three stars, symbolizing …
- the religious vows of obedience, chastity and poverty
- the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity
- the virtues of meekness, humility and sisterly love
~ the motto of the Sisters: “Glory to God, Honour to Mary, Peace to us.”
Our Community
As a community of women, the Sisters have responded to Christ’s call to dedicate their entire beings and lives to God. In freedom and love, they vow life-long fidelity to evangelical celibacy, poverty and obedience. Through a life of prayer and active service, they are called to share their experience of God’s compassion, forgiveness and unconditional love. They live in community, encouraging and supporting one another in their apostolic life journey. Daily they unite in prayer in response to the requests of many, trusting in the Lord’s words: “Ask, and it shall be given to you.”
What We Do
The Sisters are involved in the ministries of healing and education at every level as well as other apostolates, responding to the needs of the times. The Sisters care for the whole person. Wherever they work they attempt to ‘raise the spirit and ennoble the heart of the people.’ They guide them to assume the apostolic responsibility of Christians through the love and study of Holy Scripture, the Liturgy, and personal prayer. (Constitution, 2006, #59)
Education Ministry
The Sisters educate people of all ages, in mind and spirit, developing their gifts for the service of God and the community.
Latest News
Our Latest News, Events, and More
Sister Mary Basil Kunanec, SSMI 1931 – 2021
Sr. Mary Basil Kunanec went home to her eternal reward on 9 September 2021, in Holy Family Home, Winnipeg, MB at 90 years of age and 70 years in religious life. Mary Kunanec was born on 17 August 1931 in Wolverine, SK, near Saskatoon, the fifth of six surviving children (three died in infancy) of Dmytro and Maria (nee Kunanec). Her parents had immigrated to Canada from Yavoriv, Ukraine, in the late 1920s with their sons Emil and Robert (Roman). Their eldest son Volodymyr remained in Ukraine due
Time for Prayer and Reflection
The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Mundare Alberta, gathered as a community along with three lay people to participate in a Retreat. From June 27th to July 4th, 2021, Bishop David Motiuk lead the group with presentations and time for prayer and reflection focusing on the theme “A Journey with St. Peter, Sinner to Saint”. The presentations were excellent. The retreat was a profound experience for all those that participated. The group photo features from left to right:Sh
Sister Marianne Olha Telenko, SSMI 1924 – 2021
Sr. Marianne Telenko passed away peacefully with her sister, Sr. Elicia Telenko, Sr. Andrea and caregiver Maria by her side on June 30, 2021, at Bethany Home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was 96 years old, with 76 years in religious life. Olha was born on August 6, 1924, to John Telenko and Katherine (nee Rakobowchuk). Her parents immigrated from Ukraine, met in Montreal and married in 1911. Olha had four sisters and six brothers. Her faith filled-family was very involved in the Montreal Ukrainian
Sister Esther Maria Kurylo, SSMI 1929 – 2021
Sister Esther Kurylo died on 2 July 2021 at Providence Centre in Edmonton, AB, at 92 years of age and with 74 years of religious life. Sister Esther (Maria) was born in Waskatenau, AB, on 25 May 1929, the daughter of Harry (Hryhorij) Kurylo and Eva Koziak, and baptized at Holy Cross Church in Skaro, on 30 June 1929. She was the third of ten children, six of whom lived to adulthood. Her junior high education was completed at Sheptytsky School in Delph, AB, and high school at Sacred Heart Academy,