MODLITWA ZA NASZĄ PARAFIĘ – SERCE POLSKIEJ WSPÓLNOTY W KANADZIE ATLANTYCKIEJ
A PRAYER FOR OUR PARISH – THE HEART OF THE POLISH COMMUNITY IN ATLANTIC CANADA

This prayer-correspondence has been signed by all parishioners of St. Mary’s Polish Parish in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Most Reverend Brian Joseph Dunn, DD, OMI
Bishop of Antigonish

Dear Bishop Dunn:

In common with all my fellow parishioners of Kościół Narodzenia Najświętszej Maryi Panny (St. Mary’s Polish Parish), I am praying for the intercession of Our Lady of Częstochowa.

I am praying for our parish.

St. Mary’s is a solvent, vibrant parish. It proudly maintains its Polish traditions, its strong spiritual heritage, its language, its outstanding Polish choir, and its affiliated spiritual and cultural groups, not to mention a strong ethic of service to the community. Major events have already been scheduled for our 100th anniversary in 2013.

The parish is the heart of the Polish community in Cape Breton and essential to the community’s survival. Our members come from across the region, not only Whitney Pier.
St. Mary’s Polish Parish is the only provincial heritage property honouring Polish Nova Scotians. It is designated under the Heritage Property Act.

The loss of St. Mary’s as a living community would put a financial burden on the Diocese. We have a cost-sharing arrangement for our shared pastor.

St. Mary’s was built by struggling steelworkers and labourers – and their families -- who donated almost everything they could earn or spare for the express purpose of a Polish parish. Their descendants made a sacred and solemn promise to keep up the parish and to keep the faith, which they have done. The late Holy Father, Blessed John Paul II, personally and directly urged a large delegation from St. Mary’s to remain true to our faith and our culture, and to maintain our beautiful and special, living parish – the only Polish parish in Atlantic Canada.

Modlimy się za was. We are praying for you -- and for the whole Church. Szczęść Boże!