The Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League celebrated its 70th anniversary as an organization dedicated to community and spirituality.
Members of the Canora branch of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League joined with friends and other guests at the Ukrainian Catholic Hall on November 20 to celebrate the anniversary of the organization, which was officially created on December 8, 1946. Over 100 people attended the banquet.
Debbie Dutchak, the second vice-president of the League, led the program at the emcee, while Gloria Demchuk, the first vice-president, and her husband Alan greeted the guests. A group picture was taken of the 54 members, a prayer was said by Rev. Joakim Rac, and lunch was served.
Greetings and gratitude were then offered by special guests of the event. Terry Dennis thanked the League’s members for continuing to “do so much for the community.”
Mayor Gina Rakochy said that the 70 years that the organization has been running proves that the women’s work as “important ambassadors of faith stands the test of time.”
Marlene Bodnar, the president of the Saskatoon eparchy for the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada, presented a plaque commemorating the branch for 70 years of service to Frances Bartko, the recording secretary.
Dave Popowich, president of the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Council, offered gratitude for the women’s work before members of the Canora Veselka Ukrainian Dance Club performed.
A history on the league was shared by Jean Zarazun and Stella Diakow. The Canora Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League was created at a meeting chaired by Anna Baleshta, where a motion for the Canora Ukrainian Catholic Women to join the national league was moved by Anne Kowbel and seconded by Grace Shabbits. Membership for each woman was 50 cents, half of which was submitted to Winnipeg.
The organization tried to raise money for the church while also aiming to promote spirituality, culture, citizenship, and charity and social action. They attended various services, pilgrimages and rosaries, and participated in the World Day of Prayer. They baked Ukrainian goods, instructed in pysanky writing and observed church holidays. They followed parliamentary procedures and gathered petitions against immoral activities, and donated funds to various charities.
Now, members of the Canora Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League participate in the Divine Liturgy at the Gateway Lodge and hold prayer corners. Members teach for the Ukrainian practice of Ridna Shkola and have taught students that have won many awards. Delecates are chosen annually to attention the Ukrainian Catholic Woman’s League conventions, and over the years, funds have been donated to Prince Albert Orphanage, St. Anne’s Orphanage of Ituna, the Sheptysky Institute, St. Michael’s Church Camp, the Chernobyl Fund, the Gift of Hope, Teen Aid and to The Health Foundation. When a new church was to be built, the organization donated $12,000 as well as kitchen equipment and stage drapery.
After the history, Alice Derow, treasurer of the Canora Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League, introduced the guest speaker as “a small lady who has filled large shoes.” Sister Sophia of the Ukrainian Sisters of St. Joseph spoke to guests about how act of God’s love and mercy changes people. She stated that everyone embodies God’s love, which means the image of God is “deformed, but beautiful nonetheless.”
“Let us serve with everything we are and everything we have,” she requested of the assembled guests.
Derow was applauded at the banquet for being an honourary life member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League. Members thanked Derow for her incredible efforts towards the League.
The banquet closed with the assembled guests singing Always Protect Us, a song that is sung in Ukrainian culture for any happy occasion.
