Following an invitation from our Ukrainian bishop, Most Reverend Ivan Prasko and the intervention of His eminence Cardinal Slipyj four Ukrainian nuns of the order of St Basil came to Australia in March, 1967. The order of nuns based in Argentina travelled via Rome to land on the shores of Sydney where they were to begin their mission.

Basilian Sisters of St Joseph's Convent, Sydney

Their mission was in the main to:

  • Support the faithful in bringing up their children and grandchildren in the Ukrainian national and religious traditional ways.
  • To nurture a young generation of Ukrainians which would develop a love for the church and their heritage.

To achieve these aims would have required persons with a sincere love for others, much patience, energy, work and prayer. That is why our hierarchy had so wisely chosen the Basilian Sisters. To this day they have been passing on their skills and wisdom to those who have arrived since 1967 so that their goals can be obtained.

In 1970 they founded a convent in Melbourne and then in 1977 another one in Adelaide. Mother Mary, Superior of the Sydney Convent is also the Superior of the entire order in Australia.

Since their arrival in Australia the nature of their work has changed as the sisters adapted to the Australian way of life which Ukrainians have come to know.

They recognised the needs of the people and became involved in the catechetic classes in the Ukrainian school at St Andrew’s Parish, helped continue the preparation of children for their First Holy Communion or Reconciliation, provided leadership with young groups such as Legion of Mary, Altar Boys, Apostolic Prayer Group and a community work programme by the youth of Sydney.

Furthermore they initiated or renewed the Youth Church Choirs in Sydney and in Adelaide.

Much of the work they do in the parish is taken for granted. Nevertheless, one has only to look around to notice that at Church Liturgies and funeral services that it is the presence of those dedicated sisters which adds to the richness of our rite. In addition, they maintain the cleanliness and aesthetic look of our beautiful church building, support the clergy by providing meals so that they can be free to do their work, and visit the sick and disabled.

 

One of their great successes has been the foundation of a preschool which has helped many of our faithful who have wanted to leave their children with not only capable and qualified educators but, someone who is capable of passing on the Ukrainian heritage to their children.

We invite them to a long and prosperous sojourn in Australia and wish them all of God’s blessings upon them and their work.


1986 - Visit by Mother Superior Sr Christofora and Sr Dia 
Sydney Sisters prepare Easter baskets for the sick, disabled and lonely people.


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