Ukrainian CWL celebrates anniversary.

Winnipeg--Sixty years ago, on June 13, 1944, the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada (UCWLC) was organized on a national level at a conference held in Winnipeg, MB.

Although women's organizations existed wherever Ukrainian Catholic churches sprung up in the early pioneer days (1890 and onwards), it was not until the Second World War that the women recognized the need to unite in order to facilitate their war efforts and other projects. Conferences held in Winnipeg, Toronto, Edmonton and Saskatoon led to the creation of a centralized organization. In 1944, under the leadership of Monsignor Semszuk, the framework of a Constitution was accepted and the first National President, Mary Dyma of Winnipeg, was elected.

Four aims were established for the organization: to develop and enrich the religious and spiritual life of each member; to preserve and perpetuate the Ukrainian language and culture; to strengthen the spiritual dimensions and moral values of Ukrainian Catholics in Canadian society; and to initiate and support programs of charitable and social action.

Presently, the UCWLC has 113 branches across six provinces within the four eparchies and one archeparchy, and a membership of 5300. It is affiliated with many Ukrainian and Catholic organizations in Canada and around the world.

In Canada the UCWLC branches support their parishes financially through various fundraising endearours, and organize retreats. They also help various local charities. The UCWLC assists Ukraine by sending financial and material aid usually to benefit needy children and youth. The finances are used to send orphans to summer camps, sponsor stipends and scholarships for students, obtain medical supplies for children suffering from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and help fund Lviv's Catholic seminary. It is no wonder that bishops and pastors often refer to these women as "hardworking bees."

The main project of the UCWLC to mark its diamond anniversary is the purchase of mammogram machines (for detecting breast cancer) to be sent to Ukraine.