Sister Lea Brusac gazed across the faces of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. It was a bittersweet moment. For fifty years, the Daughters of Mercy, a Catholic order, had served this “little piece of Croatia” in Vancouver. Sister Lea and Sister Agneta, her companion, were preparing to return to their motherhouse. The order, founded in 1920 in Blato, Croatia, had dwindled. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, however, stood as a testament to their dedication. Established in 1961, the church became a sanctuary for Croatian immigrants. They found solace in their faith and a connection to their heritage. The Daughters of Mercy arrived a decade later, nurturing the spiritual and cultural lifeblood of the community. Sister Lea had witnessed it all. The catechism classes, the Croatian language lessons, the traditional dances, and the heartfelt songs that echoed through the church halls. She would miss the vibrant community, the laughter of the children, and the unwavering faith that resonated within these walls. As she prepared to bid farewell, Sister Lea felt a profound sense of gratitude. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church would forever hold a special place in her heart.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to