Mother Mary Raphael Skowronski

One of the first Felician pioneers in Canada, Mother Mary Raphael Skowronski assumed the responsibilities of Mother Mary Sylvina Perska in 1958. 

With eighteen years of apostolic service, primarily as an educator, she realized the plans drawn by the commissariat during its budding days in Port Credit. She continued the education of teaching sisters in Toronto and elsewhere, providing those deficient in secondary education with correspondence courses.

By June 1960, the sisters saw the construction of the chaplaincy with a suite for the director of retreat, guest rooms for visiting clergy, and an apartment for maintenance personnel. On September 3, a building opened to serve as home and school to 11 aspirants.

On August 31, the Provincial Commissary purchased the “Wardrop Property” on 6.8 acres for the construction of Holy Name of Mary High School. Mother Raphael oversaw the $1.25 million project, a challenging cost from the start. Though hope ran high, the sisters faced serious financial problems. Mother Raphael received permission to apply for loans from neighboring banks and to use the sisters' dowries, with a pledge to return the money.

When the Canadian foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary, Mother Raphael made a public appeal for financial support. As construction progressed, donations increased and Holy Name of Mary High School opened on September 7, 1964.