In the last days of September 2025, our parish community experienced an intense and deeply spiritual time of preparation for the 35th anniversary of Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish in Edmonton. It was a period of special prayer, reflection, and focus on deepening our faith, intended to renew our relationship with God and strengthen the unity of our parish family. The spiritual guide during these days was Father Andrzej Sowa, OMI, who preached the parish mission with great dedication and zeal, leading us to a deeper understanding of God’s love and the importance of living faithfully according to the Gospel each day.

Every prayer meeting, homily, and word spoken by Father Andrzej became an opportunity for reflection and spiritual renewal. Many hearts were moved to conversion and to a greater commitment to the life of the parish. Through common prayer, the sacrament of reconciliation, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and solemn Holy Masses, all participants drew spiritual strength and inspiration.

We are deeply grateful to God for the gift of these days, for the graces we have received, and for the parish community we form together. The parish mission was not only a time of spiritual renewal but also a strengthening of our faith and unity. It reminded us that we are one family in Christ, aware of our history and called to continue building a living and vibrant Church.

The History of Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish in Edmonton

This year marks a joyful milestone for the Polish community in Edmonton — the 35th anniversary of Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish, located on the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The occasion was celebrated on October 5, 2025, with a solemn Holy Mass and a festive banquet attended by parishioners, clergy, and friends of the parish.

The Beginning of a New Spiritual Home

For many years, the needs of Polish Catholics in Edmonton were served by the Holy Rosary Parish in the northern part of the city. However, during the 1980s, Canada saw a significant wave of immigration from Poland. Many of these new arrivals — often young families and professionals — settled in the southern districts of Edmonton. The growing Polish population in this area felt a strong desire for a parish closer to their new homes, where they could worship and raise their children in the faith of their ancestors.

It was in this context that the idea of a new Polish parish was born — one that would serve as a spiritual, cultural, and social center for the community in southern Edmonton.

Foundations Laid in Faith

The formation of the parish began in 1987 through the tireless efforts of the late Father Teofil Szendzielarz, OMI, who recognized the spiritual needs of Polish immigrants and took the initiative to organize a new parish community. Father Teofil was not only a man of faith but also of great vision and perseverance. His commitment and understanding of the Polish spirit gave hope and direction to the growing community.

In the final stages of establishing the parish, Father Władysław Karciarz, OMI, then the pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, played a significant role, providing invaluable support and guidance.

The first Mass for the Polish community on the south side was celebrated in the spring of 1987 at J.H. Picard School on 99 Street. Though the setting was modest and temporary, it filled a great spiritual need. The Masses continued irregularly until the fall of that year, when they had to be suspended due to logistical challenges.

However, the determination of the faithful did not fade. Soon after, regular Sunday Masses resumed — this time in the Church of St. Michael on 101 Avenue. Though the location was not ideal and space was limited, it provided a temporary home for worship and community gatherings.

Finding a Permanent Church

As the number of parishioners grew, it became clear that the community needed its own church — a permanent home that would reflect their faith, identity, and unity. In early 1989, an opportunity arose when the Southside Pentecostal Assembly put their church building at 99 Street and 83 Avenue up for sale.

After inspection and careful consideration, the decision was made to purchase the property for $780,000. The church required significant renovation, especially in the sanctuary area, to adapt it to Catholic liturgy.

The first Mass in the newly purchased building was celebrated on November 5, 1989. For several weeks afterward, the Polish community shared the church with the Pentecostal congregation. A temporary altar was placed on the former choir platform, and on the back wall hung a beloved image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, symbolizing the deep Marian devotion of Polish Catholics.

Through the dedication of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) and the extraordinary generosity and hard work of parishioners, the interior of the church was transformed. Within months, a new sanctuary emerged — bright and symbolic, representing the Way of Salvation through the Cross.

A Living Community of Faith

Over the decades, Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish has grown into a vibrant and welcoming spiritual home for generations of Polish-Canadians. It is a place where faith, tradition, and culture meet — where the Polish language, hymns, and customs continue to be cherished and passed on.

Many priests have served the parish over the years, each leaving a lasting mark through their ministry, compassion, and service. Together with the parishioners, they built not only a church of brick and stone but a living community of faith, hope, and love.

A Jubilee of Gratitude and Hope

As we celebrate 35 years, we give thanks to God for all who have contributed to the life of this parish — for the priests, religious, and lay people whose faith and dedication made this dream a reality.

This anniversary is more than a commemoration; it is a thanksgiving for God’s blessings and a prayer for the future. May our parish continue to grow and flourish, remaining a strong center of Polish faith and culture in Canada.

May we always walk together — in faith, hope, and love, under the maternal protection of Our Lady, Queen of Poland.

(Fr. Maciej Pająk OMI - Pastor of OLQP; photos: Mira Vanberg & parish archives)