Župnija Lurške Matere Božje
 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
(Slovenian)

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

95 Mac Donald Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0J3

Pastor/Župnik: Hancko, Paul T., 365 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3G 2B1 
Tel.: 204-772-8140, Fax:  204-783-2466

Historical Highlights of Our Lady of Lourdes
R.C. Slovenian Parish in Winnipeg
Fr. Paul T. Hancko
The Slovenian Catholic Parish was established in 1963 and our church building was consecrated on June 23rd of the same year by The Most Reverend George Flahiff, under the patronage of "OUR LADY OF LOURDES."

According to the archives of the Archdiocese the first Slovenian immigrants arrived to Winnipeg in 1930, then in the 2nd wave between 1940-1950 in total of 15 families fled from their Communist regime... But it was between 1956-1960 that the strongest Slovenian emigration came to Winnipeg in total of almost 200 families.

Since 1951 Slovenian immigrants were often visited by various visiting Missionaries from the USA and from Toronto. The first priest to take responsibility for the spiritual needs of the Slovenian faithful was Fr. Odilo Hajnsek, OFM from Lemont, USA., later Fr. C. Wolbang, CM from Philadelphia came, and finally Fr. J. Kopac CM, from Toronto, Ontario.

At first most of the Slovenian Catholics joined "Our Lady of Fatima, Czech Parish" on the Main St., with Fr. Celustka, as their Pastor. Then, in 1962 Fr. Kopac, during his Christmas mission, received a permission from the Archdiocese to purchase "Point Douglas United Church" which was built in 1905, and was on sale at the time. Thus it came to Fr. Mejac, CM during whose leadership the present church building was renovated, thanks to a great generosity, and hard, voluntary work on the part of the early parishioners, that in four months our Church was solemnly consecrated, so as to say that "Our Lady of Lourdes miraculously provided a place of worship for the Slovenian people."

Today's building is considered by many Slovenians as their second home. The building is being used not only for the religious purposes, but also serves as a meeting place for the Slovenian people of all ages. The CANADIAN SLOVENIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY in Winnipeg as an independent organization, also exists within the parish community where during the annual festival of FOLKLORAMA, it joins in celebration of it's historical, cultural, religious and political achievements of the Slovenian Nation, both at home and abroad. Slovenian Catholic Community in Winnipeg also values the many contributions of the CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE within the parish community. We salute the outstanding leadership of the Slovenian Community in Manitoba and we thank an pray for all who over the years have been supportive of so many religious and cultural events through which we learn how to appreciate the gift of every person who becomes a part of our lives, for the Glory of God and for the salvation of our souls. St. Bernadette Soubirous and Blessed Anton Martin Slomsek, pray for us!

Our Priests over the years:
        Fr. Joseph Mejac, C.M. ...  1963-1966
        Fr. Joseph Casl, C.M. ...     1966-1968
        Fr. Joseph Mejac, C.M. ...  1968-1976
        Fr. Ivan Plazar, C.M. ...      1976-1981
        Fr. Franc Letonja, C.M. ...  1981-1983
        Fr. Cyril Carga, C.M. ...      1983-1994
        Fr. Anton Ovtar, C.M. ...    1994-1997
        Fr. Paul T. Hancko ...         1997-

Our gratitude also to those priests who were with us for a short time only, and who provided our Slovenian parishioners with guidance and spiritual assistance.

 

Župnija Brezmadežne v Torontu - Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal Toronto

This page was updated by Tone Ovtar, January 2010