Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish – Krakow

Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Krakow is a Ukrainian Catholic community rooted in the faith and sacrifice of the first settlers who arrived in 1898. Located east of Edmonton near Mundare, the parish began with prayer in private homes and grew through the efforts of families who built a church, established a cemetery, and created a strong community life in a rural setting. The church was started in 1918, enlarged in 1922, and completed in 1928, while the parish hall and church interior became important parts of parish identity.

Over the years, the parish was shaped by faithful lay leadership, a strong choir, Ukrainian language instruction, and the dedication of families who rebuilt after hardship. The community’s story reflects perseverance, unity, and devotion to Ukrainian Catholic tradition, with the parish hall and church serving as centres of worship, fellowship, and cultural life.