On Sunday, September 25, 2011, the Eparchial Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Toronto and Eastern Canada hosted their annual fundraising Tea for the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, at the home of the Provincialate of Christ the King Province in Toronto.
Eparchial UCWLC President, Mrs. Marion Barszczyk, MC,called upon Bishop John Pazak, Eparch of Byzantine Catholic Slovaks in Canada, to lead the gathering in grace. She then introduced our guest speaker, Sister Theresa Slota, newly elected General Superior of the SSMI, worldwide.
Sr. Theresa welcomed all our guests, thanking them as well for their friendship, support and love. She especially thanked Mrs. Barszczyk and all the members of the Eparchial UCWLC, and all branches, for their dedicated work at hosting this annual event.
In an atmosphere of sharing among friends, Sister Theresa continued by sharing some highlights of the Sobor in Brazil, including words on the celebration of the 120th Anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Brazil, concurrent with the 100th Anniversary celebrations of the SSMI mission to Brazil, which has truly been a celebration of the people.
She offered some recent news of our Congregation, including of her election to the post of General Superior, with which she explained why this is her “good-bye” to the faithful of Toronto, her home town. She also shared the progress of our Sisters in formation. This year, two postulants have entered the novitiate stage of their formation, and two temporary-professed Sisters have renewed their vows. (To share in our Community's joy, see the Clothing Day event pages, on this website.)
She also recalled the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the beatification of the Martyrs of Ukraine by now-Blessed Pope John Paul II, as celebrated at our Eparchial Marian Pilgrimage this June, and invited our guests to see the display of the biographies of the Martyrs, with portraits and intercessory prayers, which had been prepared for and displayed at the Pilgrimage by our Sisters. (See the Vidpust page and internal links.)
Before introducing the first pourers, Mrs. Barszczyk commented on the example of life well lived by the Sisters, and called on all to rise and sing “Многая Літа” for Sr. Anne Marie Kozakewich, who celebrates her 70th Anniversary in the SSMI Congregation this year. (See our Jubilees page.)
