Road travel was poor in the early days of the 1800s, but boats provided access to the Mission Church, the Church of the Immaculate Conception just across the river, and the Slovaks
developed a friendship with Rev.Father Frances Maynard who was one of the Jesuit priests serving there. He asked one of the parishioners to provide readings in the Slovak language and undertook to learn both Slovak and Italian himself. Father Maynard appreciated the desire that the Slovak people had for a church of their own, and sought permission from his order to establish one in their community. When the Mission Island school, church and convent were moved, he also moved to the coal docks to found the new parish.
For more details about the upcoming events, contact Pauline Krupa at RR14 621 Gorevale Road Thunder Bay P7B 5N1 or Angela Meady atameady@norlink.net