THE HISTORY OF
HOLY GHOST PARISH

 

The close of the nineteenth century saw the beginning of a massive influx of people from Central Europe (mainly Slavs) into Western Canada. In general these newcomers were poor people who had endured hardships and extreme poverty. They were unfamiliar with the language and customs of this new land. Living a life of poverty and isolation in a new culture was a common denominator for new immigrants, and as a result they began to seek support among those who belonged to a similar culture, with whom they could share not only their recent past by their great hopes for a better future.

Circumstances which at times divide certain peoples now became a bonding link - one and the same faith, membership in the same church. And so they began to organize themselves to form one group which was to constitute the foundation of a new parish community. Such was the beginning of the recovery of their identity.

 

INITIATOR OF THE ETHNIC PARISH

	Reverend Adelard Langevin OMI, Archbishop of the Diocese of Saint Boniface, of which Winnipeg was a part, began to undertake the building of a parish which would comprise the following newcomers: Poles, Slovaks, Ukrainians and Germans. He obtained the services of two brothers, young
Polish Oblate priests named Jan and Wojciech Kulawy OMI.

In August of 1899, Archbishop Adelard Langevin OMI performed the ceremony of blessing the cornerstone of the new church. On the first of November the holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered for the very first time, although the church was not yet completely finished. In June of 1900 Archbishop Adelard Langevin OMI blessed the newly-built immigrant church in Winnipeg, naming it "HOLY GHOST".

	Holy Ghost Parish was the first pastoral centre for Polish people in Western Canada as well as the first parish for Catholic immigrants (Slovaks, Czechs and Germans). That singular gathering of various nationalities and languages was truly a
sign of the work of the Holy Spirit creating the impression of a truly Pentecostal Community of immigrants on Canadian soil.

 

THE GROWTH OF ACTIVITES

Enthusiasm grew prompting the congregation to further participation in community activities. Soon after the completion of the church, a school for 150 children was opened in the basement of Holy Ghost Church. This was the first school in Canada for Polish children. In October of 1902 a new, three-story school building was completed and opened for occupation the following year. The Benedictine
Siters, who arrived some time later are greatly appreciated for thier assistance in teaching.

 

MISSIONARY OBLATES IN CHARGE OF HOLY GHOST PARISH

In September of 1902, Archbishop Adelard Langevin OMI entrusted the total care of Holy Ghost Parish into the hands of the Polish priests from the congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and confirmed Father Jan Kulawy as the first pastor.

In 1903 the building of the parish rectory was undertaken and completed for occupation in the year 1904. During the years 1905 and 1906 Holy Ghost Church was enlarged. The sanctuary, sacristy and side naves were added.

However, the steady flow of immigrants demanded a higher standard of efficiency regarding the religious care of certain classes of nationalities. As a result, in the year 1900, the Ukrainians, and a couple of years later the Germans, withdrew from the original group of immigrants. Some time later, Slovak and Czech elements also left to form their own parishes. In truth, the Polish immigrants breathed a sigh of relief now that they were free to act independently. At the same time, however, they felt the burden of parish debts which now rested on their shoulders alone.

Winnipeg soon become the centre for Polish Oblates in Western Canada out of which grew new outposts to minister to the growing population. As is inscribed in the records of Holy Ghost Parish, the Oblates sphere of activities extended to 80 centers where they ministered to the Polish people. These pastoral activities broadened to include Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the U.S.A.

 

PARISH CEMETERIES

	In 1914 a parcel of land in "Old Kildonan" was acquired, to become the first Polish cemetery in that district. However, because of its location, the site was deemed impractical. Under the direction of Fr. Stanley Wachowicz OMI the Holy Ghost community founded a Polish Roman Catholic Cemetery in May of
1942 in the district of Riverside, on North Main Street (picture), where many Parishioners and Oblates of Mary Immaculate, members of Assumption Province in Canada, lie buried.

 

GROWTH OF A PAROCHIAL SCHOOL

In May, 1958, Fr. Francis Kosakiewicz OMI undertook the task of building a new school along the lines of the latest models of architectural demands of that time. On November 23rd of that same year, Archbishop Philip Pocock blessed
and dedicated the new building for use as Holy Ghost School. Within its walls 330 children found adequate space as well as comfortable surroundings for future learning activities.

 

A NEW HOLY GHOST PARISH COMPLEX

The next stage in the development of the parish was the decision, which for the longest while was maturing in the minds of many parishioners and Oblate Fathers, namely, to build a new church. It isn't an easy matter to close one chapter of history in order to initiate another. Fr.Chris Pulchny OMI, as Pastor of Holy Ghost Parish began, with the dedicated members of his parish, the actual task of building the new church. The decision to build, undertaken in 1984 had long been a magnificent

dream, but after many discussions and preparations the demolition of the former church and rectory took place in 1986. The new parish complex was began in June of 1986 and completed in June of 1987.

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW COMPLEX

	The entire complex measures 50,000 square feet. The height of the central point reaches 70 feet. The interior of the church seats 900. The main altar measures 15 feet in length. The pulpit and altar were specially constructed for Pope John Paul II who, while in Winnipeg celebrated a pontifical Mass on this altar in Birds
Hill Park. Beside the main altar stands a baptismal font carved in red granite.

On the other side, behind the main altar, is the chapel which is a replica in miniature of the former Holy Ghost Church. The "relics" from the old church are pews (which seat 100 persons), the altars and baptismal font, the pulpit, chandelier, six stained-glass windows and the Stations of the Cross.

Below the church is the parish hall which accommodates approximately 360. The adjoining kitchen is spacious and well-equipped with the latest in kitchen appliances. On the west side of the church's exterior is the bell tower containing three of the original bells formerly housed in the old church tower. Those bells were originally installed in 1902 and then reinstalled in their new location in 1989. The largest bell, named "Casimir" bears the engraving: "I am the voice of the faithful of Holy Ghost Parish".