Ottawa honours Ukrainian religious pioneers

A photo from 1905 of the original homestead at Beaver Lake.
Photo Courtesy the Basilian Fathers Museum.

First mission was established at Beaver Lake, Alta.

Chris Miller of the Western Catholic Reporter details some of the history of Ukrainian religious pioneers in Alberta:

The Ukrainian Basilian Fathers and Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate have historical significance in Alberta. Recently their contributions have been honoured by Parks Canada.

In 2011, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recognized the Beaver Lake-Mundare Ukrainian Catholic Mission as a place of tremendous historical and cultural importance.

Consequently, a bronze marker acknowledging their arrival in Canada was installed in Mundare. The granite monument, in front of the Pioneer Chapel, adjacent to the Basilian Fathers Museum, highlights the men’s order in Canada.

“It ties in nicely because this year we have the 100th anniversary of the ordination of the first Ukrainian Catholic bishop (Nicetas Budka) in Canada,” said Karen Lemiski, curator and associate director of the museum.

“For us it’s a great honour, recognizing the importance of the Basilian settlement in Alberta and also in Canada. It’s a major accomplishment.”

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.