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
St Nicholas visits Sisters at Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre, Ancaster
Sisters in Ancaster received a special visit from St. Nicholas on the eve of St. Nicholas Day (Thursday, December 18, 2019 - Julian calendar)
Christmas Greetings
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prohet: "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, 'God is with us'." Mt. 1:20-23 Christ is Born! Let us Glorify Him!
Honouring Our Co-Foundress
On Wednesday, November 20th, Sr. Ruth Aney SSMI, and Lesia Wozny (nee Pograniczny '98), brought 39 students to Holy Family Home for a Divine Liturgy celebrating the 100th anniversary of the passing of Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska, co-foundress of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate. The Children of Mary learned about the co-founder in the new atrium space at the Home, and residents were thrilled to see so many bright young faces!
Province Officially Opens Expanded Holy Family Home in Winnipeg
October 22, 2019 PROVINCE OFFICIALLY OPENS EXPANDED HOLY FAMILY HOME IN WINNIPEG – – – New Four-Storey Building Includes 157 New Long-Term Care Beds: Friesen A new, four-storey building with 157 new long-term care beds at the Holy Family Home in Winnipeg is now officially open, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today. “We are improving health care for Manitobans by expanding access to consistent, reliable care for seniors,” said Friesen. “The expansion at Holy
Sr. Aloysia Anastasia (Nancy) Safranovich, SSMI 1913 — 2019
Sister Aloysia Safranovich, a Sister Servant of Mary Immaculate, died on 1 June, 2019, at the Mary Immaculate Long Term Care, Mundare, AB at 106 years of age, with 90 years in religious life. Her life Anastasia, known to her family as Nancy, was born to Michael and Anastasia (nee Wasieczko) on 17 February, 1913, in Chipman, AB. In 1896, her father immigrated from Sovchi, Jaroslava, in western Ukraine, homesteading in the north-western region of Alberta. Later, he met Anastasia in Edmonton, and t
2019 Annual Марійська Проща ~ Marian Pilgrimage
Ласкаво запрошуємо на Святкування 100–річчя від дня переходу до вічності Блаженної Йосафати Гордашевської ~ Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the passing into Eternal Life of Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska Неділя, 23 червня, 2019 / Sunday, June 23, 2019 OurFoundress Програма / Program 12:00 p.m - 12:00 p.m (суб. до нед. / Sat. to Sun.) ~ Цілодобова Адорація Євхаристійних Дарів / 24–hour Eucharistic Adoration 12:00 p.m. (нед. / Sun.) ~ Можливість до сповіді / Confession available 12:30 p.m ~ М
Mount Mary Retreat Centre Under New Management
The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate have been facing a decline in the number of Sisters and the advancing age of their members. This has necessitated that steps be taken, with the understanding of Most Rev. Stephen Chmilar, Eparch of Toronto and Eastern Canada, to ensure that their property in Ancaster is safeguarded as a Catholic entity. The willingness of the Diocese of Hamilton to purchase their property provides an opportunity where the Eastern and Western Churches meet and cooperate. Th
Anniversary of the death of Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska
On the 7th of each month from April 7 2019 - April 7th 2020, we the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate celebrate our first Sister, Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska in a commemorative way. This month we would like to share some of her gems of reflection and prayer.... "...Looking at this flower, my thoughts turn to Him. Because it was He Who gave it its exquisite beauty, and although now it is now dry, it is yet so marvellous...! Since God did not spare His Omnipotence on a flower, that blooms tod
Sr. Georgina Victoria Yakimishyn, SSMI 1928 — 2019
Sister Georgina died on 11 March, 2019, at Bethany Home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at 90 years of age and in her 75th year of religious life. Her life Sister Georgina (Victoria) was born in Roblin, MB, on 4 August, 1928, the daughter of John Yakimishyn and Emily (nee Borody), and baptized at St. Michael’s Church in Roblin. Her father had immigrated from Ukraine to Brazil, and then later to Canada. Her mother immigrated to Canada from Husiatyn, in the Ternopil region of Ukraine. She attended Glen Ede