5 minute read
75th Anniversary Celebration
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League 75th Anniversary Celebration
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League (HTUCWL) presented a lovely 75th Anniversary Celebration at Holy Trinity Church on Nov. 4.
This event began with a memorial service for the UTUCWL deceased members and a divine liturgy where Bishop David Motiuk blessed the icon of Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska who became a saint on June 27, 2001.
The banquet followed this, featuring a meal of chicken, meatballs, and Ukrainian dishes.
McKenna O’Shea and Karissa Squire emceed the presentation afterward.
President of HTUCWL Teresa Makowecki mentioned that the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate started an organization like this and the HTUCWL members continue to do this.
The members who dedicated 60 and more years are Nancy Korpan (71), Steffie Miskiw (70), Olga Zwarich (65), Elsie Saskiw (61), Maria Letitski (60), and Leona Pauk (60).
Following this, Diane Lydom brought greetings on behalf of Honourable Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk who is also the Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees. “Over the past seven and a half decades, the UTUCWL has been a shining example of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment. Through its tireless effort, this league has uplifted countless lives and has enriched communities across Canada and Ukraine. It has been a steadfast pillar of support fostering education, promoting heritage, and providing charity assistance to those in need.”
At this time, Lydom also presented a Congratulatory certificate to the UTUCWL from the Government of Alberta.
Eparchial of UTUCWL Lydia Migus, County of Minburn CAO Patty Podoborozny, Town of Vegreville CAO Sandra Ling, and Church Parish President Lowell Starko also brought greetings that echoed the same sentiments.
On behalf of New Kiew UCWL Michelle Palsitt presented a card with a congratulatory message and a monetary donation for UTUCWL to Teresa Makowecki.
Then Sister Laura spoke about the life of Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska who was solemnly beautified by Pope John Paul II on June 27, 2001, in Lviv, Ukraine. “Hordashevska who was the Co-Foundress of our Congregation of The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in the Byzantine-Ukrainian Catholic Church, was born on November 20, 1869 in Lviv, Ukraine, a daughter of a poor, working class family of nine children.
From early childhood Michaelina was a pious girl; she practiced charity towards God and neighbor, dedicating her free time from work to prayer, to teaching catechism to the girls with whom she worked, and to works of charity.”
Following this, Makowecki on behalf of UTUCWL presented the Founder of the Bridge of Hope project Luba Kawalchyk with a monetary donation and said, “Kawalchyk is in charge of helping organize donations for 30 years for the Home of Hope an orphanage in Ukraine.”
After this, Makowecki asked each member to hold on to a string of lights to represent that they bring light to the world and she went on to ask each person to hold a light at their table to demonstrate that they also done good in the world.
When asked about memories, a member of UTUCWL Georgina Frankiw commented that she joined the HTUCWL 15 years ago. “What I liked the best then was we were all considered equal in the women’s league.
We worked together in harmony. I especially enjoyed helping at the Christmas and Easter Bake Sale, Tea, and Luncheon. A lot of people from all the churches in town would come to this event.
People always donated baskets filled with gifts that people could win. I was in charge of announcing who won these door prizes. I am not good at public speaking and when Elsie asked me to do this, I felt I couldn’t but I did really well at it. It was such an honour to do this.
I met so many wonderful ladies through this event.”
Past President, Elsie Kawulych mentioned that she has been with the women’s league since 1958 but didn’t belong to it for 10 years because she was so busy. “I enjoy this league because belonging to it and volunteering gives me a chance to have a nice, social outing.
I remember when I went to one of my first conventions for the HTUCWL with a lady and we didn’t know that they had a dress code for conventions. So, we went out and bought our spring outfits. I bought a yellow suit and she bought a pink one and when we wore it, I think we looked a bit odd.”
