Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate

The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate were founded in 1892, in Ukraine. Michalina Hordashevska, a young woman from Lviv, became the first Sister in this new apostolic congregation, the likes of which did not yet exist in Ukraine. She and seven young village girls gave their lives in service to the poor village people, wherever there was a need – caring for children while parents worked the fields, taking home remedies to the sick, leading the people in prayer and caring for the beauty of churches. After only ten years, the Sisters grew in number to 128, serving in 26 locations. The Ukrainian people had begun emigrating to other countries, seeking a better life. In Canada, the Roman Catholic Bishops, who were unable to serve the Ukrainian immigrants, petitioned Metropolitan Andrij Sheptytskyj in Lviv, to send missionaries. In 1902, four Basilian Fathers came, with four Sisters Servants, settling first in Edmonton, and shortly after, moving to rural Beaver Lake, AB. Starting with nothing, the Sisters began praying with the people, caring for the sick and educating children and adults. Through their efforts, hospitals were built in Mundare and nearby Willingdon, schools were established in Mundare and Edmonton, and their home became an orphanage. It also became the novitiate, as young women soon began to give their lives to God’s service.In 1905, two more Sisters arrived in Winnipeg, immediately welcoming a young woman to join their ranks. They opened a school in the St. Nicholas Church basement, not without many obstacles, and took sewing jobs for some small financial support. The community grew, and mission homes were opened throughout Canada, from New Westminster, BC to Sydney, NS. The ministries have evolved over the 100-plus years. Teaching in church basements evolved into erecting three fine girls Academies, rating among the best in education. In addition to hospitals, homes for the aged were established, Holy Family Home in Winnipeg being highly regarded for its service. In spite of a decline in membership, the Sisters continue to respond to the needs of the Church, wherever they are, in the spirit of their founders. Remaining faithful to their charism and their founders’ words, “Serve where the need is the greatest,” their original ministries of education, health care and parish ministry in all its facets continue in new forms, adapted to current situations.On 27 June 2001, Saint Pope John Paul II proclaimed their foundress Sister Josaphata Hordashevska - Blessed, and there is hope that she will soon be canonized.