Despite the frigid temperature outside, the members of The Polish-Canadian Women’s Federation, Branch # 4, in Vancouver banded together to share the warmth of the holiday season. To beat the cold, members and invited guests sang Christmas carols, consumed the finest of Polish seasonal fare and whiled away many hours in friendly conversation.

 

We were further honoured by the presence of  National President of The Polish-Canadian Women’s Federation, Ewa Zadarnowski, who inspired us with tales and news from distant Ontario, Vice-President of Canadian Polish Congress BC Mr. Andrzej Dobrowolski, , President of Polish Combatants Association Mr. Elzbieta Skrzymowska, and our esteemed guest, Rosemary Mallory, who made our celebration that much more special by delighting us with her piano renditions of Canadian holiday tunes. After enjoying the best of Canadian holiday songs, our members along with our guest choir, Akord, stirred the embers of the holiday spirit to a red-hot glow by singing their favourite Polish Holiday classics.

 

Turning to matters more spiritual, our meeting was graced by the presence of Fathers Slawomir Oblak and Stanislaw Bijak of St. Casimir’s Parish, who shared their blessings and also joined us in sharing our traditional Christmas wafer (oplatek).  Making our evening complete, Sister Bernadetta and Sister Renata accompanied the carol-singing while Sister Renata’s guitar playing added joy to the celebration. Thank you to all that attended and for playing their part in creating a special evening that will stay in our memories forever. 

 

Pictures J. Dobrowolska, Text J. Freyman.