Obituary of SISTER VIRGILIA (ANNA) SOROCZYNSKI, O.S.B.

SISTER VIRGILIA (ANNA) SOROCZYNSKI, O.S.B. Sister Virgilia Soroczynski O.S.B. gently, though unexpectedly, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning, March 28, 2012 at St. Benedict’s Monastery, Winnipeg. She was in her 100th year of age and 78th year of monastic profession. She was born on September 20, 1912 in Brandon, Manitoba to Michael and Josephine (Brodzinski) Soroczynski, the seventh of twelve children, three of whom died in infancy. She entered the Benedictine community in Arborg, Manitoba on April 19, 1932 and made her monastic profession on July 3, 1934. Sister Virgilia spoke of her family home as a place of faith, love, work and fun. She carried her family and community relationships deep in her heart. She will be remembered for her commitment to God, her faithfulness to community prayer, her energy, enthusiasm, wit and love of cleanliness and of beauty. She never lost her sense of hospitality and joy of life. She took great pride, even in her last days, in being able to prepare special dishes as a treat for the sisters. In community she ministered generally as a homemaker – cooking, doing laundry and serving as sacristan. She was meticulous in all she did. Her years of ministry extended to Oaks, North Dakota, Gimli, Dog Creek, Winnipegosis, Arborg and Russell, Manitoba, Oyen and Calgary, Alberta, Holy Ghost Rectory, Pritchard Convent and St. Benedict’s Monastery Winnipeg. Sister Virgilia was pre-deceased by her parents, Michael and Josephine, and all her siblings, Frances, Ann, baby Victor, Josephine, Mary, Victor, Michael, Rosalia, Pauline, Victoria and a stillborn baby. She is survived by her many dear nieces and nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews in Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, and California and the members of her Benedictine Community in Winnipeg. A Vigil Service will be held on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 7:00 pm at St. Benedict’s Monastery, presided by the prioress, Sister Virginia Evard OSB. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 2nd at 10:30am at St. Benedict’s Monastery presided by Msgr. Louis McCloskey with commendation by Sister Virginia Evard, prioress. Interment will follow in the Monastery cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Sister Virgilia’s memory to St. Benedict’s Foundation, 225 Masters Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R4A 2A1 The Sisters wish to express their gratitude to the staff at St. Benedict’s Health Centre, to Dr. Terry Babick and to all her friends and relations for their love and care of Sister Virgilia. May she rest in peace.