November - December 2015 Volume 14 No. 6 News &...

"Your destiny is to be apostles, and so tend within your hearts the sacred fire that the Holy Spirit lights there..."

- St. Eugene de Mazenod -

November - December 2015 Volume 14 No. 6

News & Views Assumption Province

Contents Page 3 Feast of the Immaculate

Conception

Page 4 A Visit to Wilno and Round Lake, ON

Page 5 News from the Novitiate

Page 6 A Visit to San Antonio, TX

Page 8 26th Annual Festival of Religious Songs

Page 11 Year of Mercy

Page 13 Commemorating the Oblates

and Celebrating World Youth Day

Page 20 Ecumenical Prayer Service for

the Grieving

Page 21 Church Raises Money to Feed Community

Page 22 News from Prince George

Page 23 A Visit to Winnipeg

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.

John 1,4

“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the

darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it…

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of

grace and truth.”

John 1, 4; 1, 14

2


Dear Brother Oblates,

On December 12th, in the United States and Mexico, there is a big feast commemorating the apparitions of

Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego. It happened that at that time I was visiting our seminarian Bro. Dawid

Karchut in San Antonio. As I was ready to celebrate Mass in the seminary chapel (Dawid prepared

everything for the Mass and left for his CPE program at the San Antonio Hospital), on my way there I met

two scholastics in the dining room who were wondering around, since others have already left for Christmas.

After a short conversation when they learned that I’m going to celebrate Mass by myself, one of them

spontaneously offered to join me at the Eucharist. I was pleasantly moved by his offer.

After reading the Gospel I shared a few thoughts based on the Scripture passage that describes this very

powerful story of the angel coming to Mary to announce that she would become the mother of the

Saviour. Then the seminarian decided to share his own thoughts. He said that a few days earlier he had

catechesis with children and asked them who they identify with when they look at the nativity scene.

Some of them said they identify with Mary, others with shepherds, still others with animals, but majority identified themselves with Joseph. And the seminarian said: “I observe in our society certain trends

among children and adults, that there is certain fear, certain anxiety which terrifies them. Joseph becomes

for them a symbol of a good father and also someone who worries about many things which need to be provided for Jesus and Mary.” I was struck by his comments because they really reflect a certain tendency

in our society which shows that there is lots of fear among people today to the point that depression and

many other illnesses torment their souls.

It’s good that we celebrate Christmas every year because it reminds us that God is with us and he is the

one who brings peace, the one who is greater than Saint Joseph, and the one who looks after all our

needs. This Christmas message inspires us to become messengers of God’s mercy in this Jubilee Year and this is also a very essential part of our Oblate identity.

Christmas this year takes place within the context of the Year of Mercy and the 200th anniversary of our

congregation. All these events come together in this great mystery of Christ becoming a human person in

order to tell us about God’s immense love for us. This miracle, which took place over 2000 years ago

influenced millions of lives and continues to inspire millions of people who are ready to offer their lives to the fullest because they recognize in this little Child the Son of God.

I would like to finish my reflection with a quote from early Church father: John Chrysostom (354-407

AD) who speaks about Christian identity in the following way:

“There is nothing colder than a Christian who does not seek to save others. (…) How can such a person be a Christian? Tell me, if yeast did not make the whole mass like itself, is it really yeast? Again if perfume

failed to pervade all around it with its fragrance, would we call it perfume?”

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

3


Feast of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother

Each year on December 8th, on the

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of

the Blessed Virgin Mary, Missionary Oblates

of Mary Immaculate around the world celebrated their Feast Day!

This year in the Toronto District, about 130 priests and lay associates gathered at Queen

of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga

to celebrate. The event began with the Holy

Eucharist, with Bp. Tony Krotki OMI as presider and homilist. Following Mass all

partook in a festive and delicious lunch.

Guests in attendance included Consul General Grzegorz Morawski, Honourary

Oblates, parents and families of Oblates,

employees of Assumption Province and

people of good will who support and promote the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

4


A Visit to Wilno and Round Lake by Fr. Marian Gil OMI

From November 3rd to 5th, 2015 I visited our Oblate communities in Wilno and Round Lake. Fr. Jan

Wadolowski and Fr. John Bosco Gali gave me a tour of both parishes and we also visited one of the oldest

cemeteries in the Wilno area where the first church was constructed.

After Mass at both parishes I had a chance to meet with some of the parishioners and Fr. Gali was

gracious to arrange lunch with one of the families at Round Lake whose son attends St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto. Later on I learned that the family not only raise cattle on their farm but also

produce maple syrup.

Wilno is the first and oldest settlement in Canada. The original settlers arrived in 1858 and were mainly of Kashubian origin from Kaszebe – the then Prussian area of Poland. One of the reasons they chose this

area to settle was because of the landscape which reminded them of their original homes. The famous

Chicken Supper organized annually on the Labour Day week has been going on for over 65 years.

This region – although seemingly isolated and quiet – is rich in traditions and deep spirituality. Many

farmers who work very hard still find time to pray with their families and even attend Mass on a daily

basis. Round Lake church community has been for many years a community rich in vocations to priesthood and religious life.

5


News from the Novitiate Submitted by Fr. Rudy Nowakowski OMI

This novitiate year at the

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Novitiate in Godfrey, Illinois, we have six novices from five

different countries: Australia,

India, Sri Lanka, Haiti, and the United States. This

international group of novices

makes for an interesting year,

culturally and liturgically, with a colourful variety of foods,

customs, public holidays, and

church feast days. The common denominator is

“Oblate.” Coming from

around the globe, the novices

have a lively, collaborative spirit.

The pictures were taken at

Saint Anthony’s Hospital, in

Alton, Illinois, belonging to the “Sisters of St. Francis of

The Martyr St. George,”

where we attended a recent

Serra Club Christmas season dinner with other local

religious, priests, and a

deacon.

6


A Visit to San Antonio by Fr. Marian Gil OMI

From December 9th to 13th I had a privilege to visit our Oblate Seminary (George Sexton House of Studies) as well as the Oblate

School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. It happened that

during that time all the scholastics finished their first semester and

were getting ready to travel home for Christmas or to various ministries.

On Friday, December 11th there was a thanksgiving Mass at the seminary chapel to thank God for the many graces the

seminarians received during the past semester. Following the

liturgy there was a delicious lunch prepared in order to anticipate

the Christmas celebration and also share Christmas gifts. It was a great opportunity to experience the scholastics’ daily routine,

hospitality, and joyful atmosphere which signalized that

Christmas is fast approaching.

7


At the present time there are 10 Oblate scholastics at the Oblate Seminary in San Antonio. They are

served by three formators: Fr. Raul Salas, Fr. Ron Framboise, and Fr. Nebi Mutale. This visit gave me an

opportunity to get to know better the formation team at the seminary and at the same time express my gratitude for the enormous work they do in shaping the lives of future Oblates.

It was good to visit Bro. Dawid Karchut who is in his final year of studies. During Christmas and over the next few months Dawid will be doing the third segment of the CPE program.

Dawid was kind enough to take me to the oldest Polish

settlement in the United States – Panna Maria – which was

established in 1853. Visiting this landmark on the US soil reminded us of thousands of Polish immigrants who came to

the United States and Canada at the end of the 19th century

and who made incredible sacrifices in order to settle in the

new country. It also reminded us that whether in Canada or the US, immigrants were accompanied by priests who played

a vital role in their lives while the men and women sought

work and a place to settle.

8


26th International Festival of Religious Song Submitted by Kinga Fasciszewska

This year’s 26th Annual Festival of Religious Songs took place on November 21st and 22nd at Pope John Paul II Centre in Mississauga. The festival theme

centered around the words from Psalm 27: “The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear?” Twelve participants entered the contest and the jury awarded prizes to the following winners in six categories:

Children, group category: Nazaretanskie Nutki

Adults, soloist category: Karolina Podolak

Children, soloist category: Marek Wojtowicz

Adults, duet category: Tanya Krow and Mariya Kowalczyk

Adults, group category and Special Recognition: Cantate Deo

Grand Prix: soprano duet – Anna Wojcik and Anna Leszonska On Saturday, November 21st, after the festival competition, there was a performance by Damian Maliszewski and two musicians, who sang various ballads and original compositions. His rendition of “Mary, did you know” in Polish was especially breathtaking. On Sunday, November 22nd, after the gala concert, Friar Alessandro

Brustenghi OFM, tenor from Assisi performed along with the Quo Vadis Choir and the Camerata String Ensemble under the direction of Krzysztof Jedrysik. The music made a great impression on the audience, which filled the hall at the John Paul II Centre to its brims. Friar Alessandro was a guest at CBC radio. An interview he recorded while in Toronto aired on December 20th, 2015. It was conducted Mary Hynes and can be accessed from the CBC archives at: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/pastepisodes.

Damian Maliszewski from Poland

http://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/pastepisodes

9


Tanya Krow and Maryia Kowalczyk

Nazaretanskie Nutki

Oaza Karolina Podolak

Anna Wojcik &

Anna Leszonska –

Grand Prix Recipients

10


Friar Alessandro Brustenghi from Italy

11


Year of Mercy at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Submitted by Fr. Janusz Blazejak OMI

Extraordinary Year of Mercy was inaugurated at the Vatican by Pope Francis on December 8, the day of

the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It will conclude on November

20, 2016, the day of the Solemnity of Christ the King. The sign of the start of the Extraordinary Year of Mercy was the opening by Francis of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica.

At St. Maximilian Kolbe parish in Mississauga the Year of Mercy officially began on December 6th with Holy Eucharist concelebrated by Bishop Wieslaw Krotki OMI of the Diocese of Churchill-Hudson Bay. In

his homily, Bp. Krotki emphasized the importance of showing understanding and mercy especially in

family relationships.

A special privilege for parishioners is a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary at the Vatican, signed by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, designating the Chapel of Divine Mercy at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church as

a Holy Door of Mercy for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The faithful who frequently come to the chapel will

also benefit from spiritual privileges granted by the Apostolic Penitentiary during the Year of Mercy.

Spiritual privileges mean that everyone who comes to the chapel during the Holy Year to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, each day could receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions.

12


To commemorate the opening of the Year of Mercy, the Parish Council organized a beautiful concert

performed by the Śląsk Song and Dance Ensemble. There were two concerts on December 9th and 10th. The

50-person ensemble arrived directly from Poland and later went on to perform further concerts in the

United States. The concert began with the national anthem of the World Youth Days entitled "Blessed are the merciful" as well as a beautiful song titled "God, show me your mercy".

13


Commemorating the Oblates & Celebrating World Youth Day:

Youth Talent at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Mississauga Submitted by Fr. Janusz Blazejak OMI

In 2016, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate will celebrate the 200th

anniversary Jubilee of the beginning of their Congregation. Father Superior General, Louis Lougen OMI, has expressed the desire that youth who share the

Oblate charism, might be able to join them in their preparation. In light of this

occasion and the approaching World Youth Days in Krakow, Poland, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Mississauga, Ontario initiated two contests in the

summer of 2015 to celebrate these events.

Under the Oblate Fathers, and in collaboration with the Parish Pastoral Council, the first contest invited all registered World Youth Day participants at St.

Maximilian Kolbe to commemorate the rich and diverse history and work of the

Oblates, especially in Canada. Choosing from one of the three potential categories—Arts & Music, Multimedia, or Writing—individuals were asked to

depict the history and/or impact of the Oblates on the areas and regions where

they missionized while taking into account the contest motto of “Follow me, and

I will make you fish for people” (Mt. 4:19). The contest came to a close at the end of October, and the parish received numerous exceptional submissions in the

three categories, showcasing the considerable talents of our parish youth

community. First place in Arts and Music was awarded to Stefanie Glowacki for her stained glass window. First place in Multimedia was awarded to Michał

Ulman for his folding booklet. Lastly, first place in the Writing category was awarded to Natalia Bisek for developing a children’s board game. In light of the

outstanding works that we have received, the Parish Pastoral Council has also

decided to bestow two additional Honorary Mentions to Pauline Panuś for her

sketch, and to Camilla Węgrzynowska for her interview with an Oblate in

Katowice, Poland.

Furthermore, a second essay contest—the Pastoral Contest—was created by our

Oblate Fathers asking youth to reflect on their spiritual expectations for their

upcoming visit with the Holy Father. Once again, with a multitude of

introspective works of high calibre, Mateusz Pacyna was awarded first place, and Julia Woźnowska received an honorary mention.

The seven winners have provided a biographical sketch and an explanation of the

rationale behind their projects.

14


WYD Contest: “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people” (Mt. 4:19)

First Place: Stefanie Glowacki (Arts and Music)

Stefanie Glowacki, 21 years old, is currently finishing her last year of her undergraduate studies at York University in Specialized Honours Kinesiology and

Health Science. Upon graduating, she is planning on pursuing Teachers college to

certify her as a teacher. Aside from work and school, she always puts time aside to

volunteer, including at St. Maximilian Kolbe, as a catechist for Confirmation classes.

Stefanie created a stained glass window with additional pisanki. The inspiration behind the stain glass window was to

bring the viewer back to the roots of ancient ways of

delivering the Good News. Due to few people being literate,

ancient churches used stained glass windows to tell stories of the Bible through pictures. This medium applies to all ages

and is a unique artwork that catches attention, given the

detail in the art. The story being told on this stained glass is that of Mary Immaculate working through St. Eugene De

Mazenod, influencing the work of the Oblates of Mary

Immaculate. In addition to the stained glass, Stefanie created

pisanki to articulate the symbols of the Congregation. A pisanka is a traditional Easter Polish artwork that symbolizes

the revival of nature and the hope that Christians gain from

their faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. With the symbol of revival of faith, Stefanie wanted to articulate how

the resurrection of Jesus has influenced the Oblates of Mary

Immaculate to carry out their daily devotion.

15


First Place: Michal Ulman (Multimedia) Michal Ulman is a 21 year old student at the University of Waterloo, pursuing a

degree in Systems Design Engineering. In addition to school, Michal enjoys

recreational graphic design, video editing, and building things in his university's

machine shop.

Michal created a perpetually folding booklet, with information strategically scattered throughout. The

idea behind the booklet is to have the medium, rather than the content, interest a casual parish

member. By playing with the booklet and opening it into deeper layers, the viewer eventually ends up

back at the beginning. The design was made such that someone not particularly interested in the content would pick up the booklet, play with it, be fascinated by the folding mechanism, and in doing

so, catch glimpses of information. The booklet does not need to be read from beginning to end to be

understood.

Although the booklet itself is not particularly oriented around the theme of “fishing for men”, it is the

entire campaign of reaching out to the casual church-going population that follows the theme. It gives the general church population something fascinating about a topic they would not otherwise want to

read. In terms of fishing for men, the booklet is the equipment, and the campaign is the bait. The fish

are the Sunday Mass participants who do not fully understand our faith or an Oblate’s work. If this

campaign will be enough to just make one person think twice, take to heart an Oblate’s work, listen to their preaching, and convert, we have made the catch.

16


First Place: Natalia Bisek (Writing Category)

My name is Natalia Bisek. I was born in Poughkeepsie, New York. I’m 16 years old

and I am currently a high school student in grade 11 at St. Aloysius Gonzaga

Secondary School. For my submission I chose to make a children’s board game which I titled “Fishing for People”. I love spending time with kids so making

something that children can hopefully enjoy and learn from was my goal when

making a board game. I chose this format because it’s a unique, fun, and interactive way for younger people to learn about the history, work and contributions of the

Oblates of Mary Immaculate. By creating a board game, children can carry it

around and share it with others, further spreading the messages and knowledge of

the Oblates that this board game presents.

17


Honorary Mention: Paulina Panus (Arts and Music)

My name is Paulina Panus and I am 17 years old, currently attending grade 12.

I chose this topic for my project because it demonstrates what the Oblate St. Eugene

de Mazenod started off doing which was helping and teaching others. De Mazenod

dedicated himself fully to evangelizing those who were not being touched by the

structures of the local church: the poor, prisoners, youth, the inhabitants of poor villages who were ignorant of their faith. His constant message was to invite people to enter into the same experience of Jesus the Savior that he had at his conversion.

Looking at everyone and every situation through the eyes of the Savior, he showed the

poor the human and spiritual dignity that was

theirs, and taught them how to live in

relationship with the Savior. Through his actions and words this spread to many

continents all over the world where many

Oblates now continue to do this work, and my project was supposed to demonstrate how this

work was enlarged to greater populations and

passed on through many generations.

18


Pastoral Contest

Honorary Mention: Camilla Wegrzynowska (Multimedia)

My name is Camilla Wegrzynowska. I was born in Toronto on August 2nd 1998. I

am currently 17 years old and a grade 12 student at Phillip Pocock Catholic

Secondary School. On Saturdays, I attend Consulate Polish School at Bishop Allen, where I am part of student council. I am also an active member of Polish Scouting

(Harcerstwo), and a Radość Joy vocal-dance group member.

While I spent my past summer vacation in Poland, I came up with the

idea to take advantage of this opportunity and visit an Oblate parish different from our Mississauga one. I wanted to observe how different

and similar they are. Since my parents come from the city of Oswiecim

in Poland, the closest Oblate parish to me was in Katowice and that was exactly where I headed. After talking with the parish secretaries and a

few priests, I asked if any one of them was willing to participate in an

interview. Fortunately, Fr. Piotr Prauzner-Bechcicki was eager to partake

in my project. He shared some very thoughtful responses to my questions. I also got to take a few pictures of the parish and the journey I

experienced getting there. I later on combined my material into a video

that I had a very enjoyable time filming.

First Place: Mateusz Pacyna

My name is Mateusz Pacyna and I am 27 years old. I am a Computer Science graduate of Ryerson University. My essay is a reflection on my life. It is a witness

of faith and God’s active involvement in my life.

Honorary Mention: Julia Woznowska

My name is Julia Woznowska and I was born in Toronto on August 18, 1996. I am

currently enrolled as a student at Glendon College, York University, in the International Bachelor Of Arts program in French and Spanish, and a Bachelor of

Education. I also work as a part-time ski instructor and in the administrative offices

of Centennial Park, and as a bilingual tour guide at the Provincial Parliament. Furthermore, I belong to the Polish Scouting Association, and am currently the leader of a group of Brownies in the local unit "Szarotki".

Fr. Piotr Prauzner-Bechcicki

19


The awards ceremony was celebrated on November 29, 2015. The awards were presented by private

sponsors, along with Provincial Fr. Marian Gil and St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Pastor, Fr. Janusz Błażejak.

20


Ecumenical Prayer Service for the Grieving Written by Thomas Dillon Submitted by Fr. Miroslaw Olszewski OMI

On Dec. 16, 2015 the Christmas Ecumenical Prayer Service for the Grieving was held for the first time at

the Parish Community of Sts. Peter and Paul in Welland. This annual liturgy is sponsored by local funeral homes, and offers an occasion for those who have lost family and friends during the previous year to

gather together, to hear the compassion and hope found in the Word of God. Fr. Miroslaw Olszewski,

OMI hosted the Rev. Robert Bond, Rev. Clarence Braun, and a congregation of about 60 who came

together on this mild evening. Through hymns, psalms, readings from Scripture, and a candle-lighting prayer, loved ones were mourned, hope was kindled, joy was sought, and peace was desired for all who

feel the loss of loved ones especially more during these holy days when the hurt may be felt more deeply.

L to R: Fr. Miroslaw Olszewski OMI, Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church; Rev. Clarence Braun;

Chris Chappelle, Funeral Director of J.J. Patterson & Sons Funeral Residence.

Not pictured: Rev. Robert Bond

At the close of the service, Fr. Mirek invited all assembled to partake in some light refreshments and social time in the Parish Hall, where the hospitality of the Parish Community of Sts. Peter and Paul was

generously displayed.

This event marked the second time in as many months that the little parish in Welland South hosted

people from our beloved city. Last month, it hosted its first of many deliciously prepared Harvest Kitchen

Dinners to 63 guests from across the city.

21


Church Raises Money to Feed Community Written by Franki Ikeman Reprinted from The Tribune, December 13, 2015

No hungry bellies were turned away Saturday

morning when Sts. Peter and Paul church in

Welland opened their doors for a fundraiser breakfast. The parish hosted the breakfast to

raise money for their Harvest Kitchen program,

which serves up hot meals to anyone who needs or wants to join. “For anybody who wants a bit

of companionship, for anyone who wants a bit of

help with their diet and food. I mean, there are

no criteria, just come as you are. It’s open door,” said Tom Dillon, a parishioner at St. Peter

and Paul and a volunteer and organizer for

Harvest Kitchen.

Dillon said that while the Harvest Kitchen idea

has been around in Welland for a long time, this

church just started their monthly meals this year.

“Our parish has undertaken hosting a dinner

once a month - the last Thursday of every month... actually the fourth and fifth Thursday of

each month - so this is to help us raise funds to

provide meals on that basis,” he said. “Many

parishes and churches are sharing their resources

to provide meals and companionship, which is a

wonderful thing.”

He said he was overjoyed to see the turnout at

Saturday’s event, both in supporters and in

volunteers. “It’s incredible to see the turn out. People come

off the streets, it’s wonderful.”

Dillon said that many members of the parish

show up to volunteer as well as a handful of

Notre Dame school students and cafeteria staff.

“It’s wonderful to see the openness of heart.

That’s the meaning of Christmas.”

From left, Daniel Stanikowski, Mackenzie Turner and

Owen Cote - Notre Dame students - serve breakfast at Sts. Peter and Paul Church during a Harvest Kitchen fundraiser on Saturday December 12, 2015 in Welland, Ont.

22


News from Prince George

Congratulations Bro. Grzegorz on being knighted in the 2nd degree

of the Knights of Columbus!

23


A Visit to Winnipeg and Selkirk

From Dec. 16 – 18, 2015 I visited our

Oblate community in Winnipeg. Fr.

Alfred Grzempa gave me a brief tour

of Holy Ghost Church and school

explaining the relationship between

these two. I learned that Fr. Daniel

Janulewicz is taking care of regular

events at school while the pastor is

looking after the operational aspect.

Fr. Wojciech Wojtkowiak elaborated

about history of Oblate presence there

and his findings while he was

documenting Oblate parishes in

Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which

used to be run by our congregation.

Going to Selkirk (about 20 km from

Winnipeg) to visit Fr. Jerry Talarski

we stopped to pray at Holy Ghost

cemetery where many of our Oblates

are buried. When we arrived at our

destination Fr. Jerry was

already waiting for us. He lives

in a simple apartment where he

does his own cooking. It did not

take much time to convince him

to go out for lunch. When Fr.

Alfred and myself were saying

goodbye he promised to pray

for our province and the

success of the provincial

congress. Visiting our Oblate

community in Winnipeg is

always an occasion to refresh

our memory about the history

of Polish Oblates in Canada.

24


In 1897, the Superior General of the

Missionary Oblates promised Bishop

Adelard Langevin OMI two Polish

Oblates who were just finishing

theological studies in Ottawa. They were

two brothers: Jan and Wojciech Kulawy.

Immediately after their ordination, they

traveled to Winnipeg, where Fr. Wojciech Kulawy was named

pastor of the Poles, Slovaks, Ukrainians and Germans in the St.

Boniface archdiocese, which stretched from Winnipeg to the

Rocky Mountains. In one of his first voyages along the train

route from Calgary westward, Fr. Kulawy stopped at several

towns that had grown up along the railroad: Cochrane, Canmore,

Anthracite and Banff. He arrived in

British Columbia and preached retreats

at Fernie for the local Poles, Slovaks

and Ukrainians. Fathers Jan and

Wojciech Kulawy concentrated their

efforts in Winnipeg and gave thought

about forming a multicultural parish

there. In 1899, both Fathers organized

a Eucharistic procession with the

participation of then-Archbishop

Fr. W. Wojtkowiak & Picture of Fr. W. Kulawy

25


Langevin OMI. At that time, the Archbishop

presented a plan to create a new parish for the

German and Slovak communities. On August

20 of that same year, the cornerstone of what

would become Holy Ghost parish was

blessed. Archbishop Langevin OMI wrote in

one of his letters that the Polish priests could

be characterized by a pastoral zeal of the

highest quality. Fr. Jan Kulawy OMI was

named pastor of the new parish. In 1901, Fr. Karol Gretchel OMI and Fr.

August Forner OMI joined the Kulawy

brothers in pastoral service. Together with Fr.

Wojciech Kulawy, they visited Polish

settlements throughout Manitoba. Holy Ghost

parish in Winnipeg developed ever more

actively and soon became a centre of Polish

life there. It should be noted that from the very beginning there was a Polish school at Holy Ghost parish. The Polish-

language weekly, “Canadian Voice”, had been published at the parish since 1904. The publication was costly

both in terms of finances and personal commitment, so it was discontinued for a certain period of time.

However, in 1908, it was re-issued with the name “Gazeta Katolicka” (Catholic Gazette) and, later, “Gazeta

Polska” (Polish Gazette). In 1951, the undertaking merged with the National Polish League and the publication

now became known as “Glos Polski” (Polish Voice), which to this day is published in Toronto.

26


Nativity Scenes

A long-time tradition in Poland during the Christmas season is the building of "Szopki" (pronounced shop-key),

which are elaborate form of the Nativity scene. This tradition started back in the 13th century in Krakow,

Poland, and remains an annual tradition whereas major prizes are awarded for the most elaborately decorated

and designed Szopki.

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