The Basilian Sisters arrived in Australia in 1967 to support Ukrainian Catholic refugees after World War II. Responding to a call from Bishop Ivan Prasko and with the blessing of Cardinal Josyf Slipyj, four Sisters from Argentina journeyed to Australia. They began their ministry among the Ukrainian faithful, establishing monasteries in Melbourne (1970) and Adelaide (1977).

In 1970, the Sisters began publishing activities in Melbourne. After the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church emerged from the underground, 20,000 prayer books were gifted to the faithful in Ukraine.

Today, the Sisters continue their mission in North Melbourne and in Lidcombe, a suburb of Sydney. Rooted in prayer and dedication, their ministry includes catechesis, preparation for the sacraments, a kindergarten, pastoral care for the elderly, and the preservation of Ukrainian traditions.

Their service helps to sustain the Byzantine Catholic faith and the cultural identity of Ukrainian families in Australia.

 

Read here an interview with Sr. Makryna, OSBM.

osbm.org.au