HistoryThe earliest Slovenian settlers in Winnipeg, six men, arrived in 1925, they formed the first unofficial Slovenian society in the area. Then the second wave arrived between 1940-1950, but it was between 1956-1960 that the strongest Slovenian emigration came to Winnipeg, in total almost 200 families.
At first, most of the Slovenian Catholics joined "Our Lady of Fatima, Czech Parish". Then, in 1962 Fr. Kopac, during his Christmas mission, received 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, under whose leadership the present church building was renovated, thanks to the generosity and hard, voluntary work of the early parishioners. The Slovenian Catholic Parish was established in 1963 and our church building was consecrated on June 23rd of the same year under the patronage of "OUR LADY OF LOURDES." Today's building is considered by many parishioners as their second home. The building is used not only for religious purposes, but also serves as a meeting place for the Parish Council, Canadian Slovenian Cultural Society, Catholic Women's League, folklore presentations, other parish functions, and most importantly as a place for fellowship. 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- 2003 Fr. Stan Gacek... 2003-2012 Fr. Diosdado Parrenas... 2012-present Fr. Gary Killen - Ministerial Assistant Our gratitude also to those priests who were with us for a short time only, and who provided our parishioners with guidance and spiritual assistance. |
This photo represents the first church council members of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish elected in 1962:
(First row: Left to Right) Emil Mohoric, Father Jozef Mejac, C.M., Toni Pikel (President), Ignac Bedernjak (Second row: Left to Right) Jozef Geric, Stane Vrsnik, Slavko Slejko, Stefan Lukas, Matija Geric 
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