UCWLC

(Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada)

Background Information

UCWLC cover

Women’s organizations existed wherever there were churches. Wherever the early pioneers settled and a parish was organized, the women formed Sisterhood groups; mainly to serve the church. During the Second World War our Ukrainian Catholic women supported the Red Cross activities. To support the war effort and keep up the morale of the armed forces and the refugees, parcels of food and clothing were sent overseas.

It was soon realized that there was a need to organize on a national level. In 1944 a constitution was prepared and accepted at a conference held in Winnipeg in June 1944 for an organization under the name of Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (UCWLC). The first National President of the UCWLC was Mrs. Mary Dyma. Branches of this organization were organized throughout Canada. Provincial (Eparchial) Executives were organized to coordinate the activities of the Branches in their Eparchy.

In Canada, there are 5 Eparchies: Saskatoon, Edmonton, New Westminster, Toronto and Eastern Canada and the Archeparchy of Winnipeg. The Executive on the Eparchial level changes at a convention held every 2 years. The Executive on the National level changes at a Congress held every 3 years; their executive headquarters rotate among the 5 Eparchies.

Aims of the UCWLC

  1. Catholic Faith: to develop and enrich the religious and spiritual life of each member in each parish, thereby strengthening the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada.
  2. Ukrainian Culture: to preserve, develop and promote the Ukrainian language and culture and our Ukrainian Canadian identity.
  3. Canadian Citizenship: to initiate and support programs which exemplify Christian morals and values.
  4. Social Development: to initiate and support programs of charitable and social action which exem
    plify Christian ideals of justice and love, particularly relating to the dignity of the human being and the sacredness of the family.

The emblem of the UCWLC is in the shape of a rhombus, enclosing an oval exhibiting the cross, trident and maple leaf. The 4 sides of the rhombus symbolizes the 4 fundamental aims.

The emblem of the UCWLC is in the shape of a rhombus, enclosing an oval exhibiting the cross, trident and maple leaf. The 4 sides of the rhombus symbolizes the 4 fundamental aims.

The official publication of the UCWLC is the bilingual quarterly magazine “Nasha Doroha”- a vital link between members across Canada.
The official hymn of the UCWLC is “O Spomahaj Nas Divo Mariye”

The Patroness of the UCWLC is the Most Holy Mother of God. The official icon is the miraculous Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaiv.

Mission Statement

The Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada, in its ongoing commitment to the mission of the Church, and to nurturing our cultural heritage, is dedicated to provide the resources that help its members realize their own true vocation and live an authentic Christian life as contributing members of the Church and society.

UCWLC Motto: “For Church and the People”

Affiliates: The UCWLC is affiliated with both National and International organizations:

  1. Ukrainian Canadian Women’s Council as a founding member since 1944.
  2. World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organization (WFUWO) as founding member since 1948.
  3. World Union of Catholic Women’s Organization (WUCWO) since 1957.
  4. Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) since 1975.
  5. Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) since 1993.