Sister Rosaline Zdyunich laid the foundation for compassionate ecumenical and interfaith dialogue among Edmonton’s religious communities. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to bridge gaps and foster understanding among people of all faiths. Her remarkable journey is a testament to the power of faith, education, and community service. More on edmontonka.com.
Teaching Career
Rosaline Mary Zdyunich was born in Hanley, Saskatchewan, and grew up on her family farm. Deeply inspired by her devout parents, she embraced faith and prayer from an early age. At 15, she entered a convent school in Saskatoon, where she completed her training to become a nun. She later pursued education studies at the Saskatoon Teachers’ College.
Rosaline began her teaching career in elementary schools, where she quickly realized her passion for education. She later moved to Moose Jaw to teach at a high school and was soon appointed principal. Dedicated to advancing her education, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1968. Returning to Edmonton, she continued teaching elementary school while deepening her skills and qualifications.
In 1970, Sister Rosaline had the opportunity to study at Fordham University in New York, where she earned a Master of Science degree in educational counseling. Upon her return to Edmonton, she became a counselor for young children, guiding her students with such care and wisdom that many would later thank her for shaping their lives.
A Life of Dedication to God and Humanity
A pivotal moment in Sister Rosaline’s life came in 1975, when she studied Judaica and biblical studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This transformative experience deepened her spiritual awareness and set her on a path toward fostering understanding among diverse religious groups.
Back in Edmonton, Sister Rosaline began exploring ecumenism and attending local synagogues. In 1980, she volunteered for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese’s ecumenism commission, becoming its representative in 1983. One of her early accomplishments was coordinating an interfaith prayer service at an Edmonton synagogue in 1986, coinciding with a similar event held in Rome by Pope John Paul II.
Sister Rosaline dedicated herself to strengthening relationships among Christian denominations and promoting awareness and acceptance. In 1990, she left her teaching career to fully commit to interfaith service. By 1995, she had founded the Edmonton Interfaith Centre, where she worked tirelessly to foster mutual understanding and warm relations among the city’s faith groups. She also collaborated with Edmonton’s chaplain to introduce a tradition of interfaith prayers at city council meetings.
Through her efforts, Sister Rosaline earned a reputation as a respected authority on interfaith relations in Alberta and Canada. Her interfaith dialogues, prayer services, workshops, and special events enriched the experiences of many community members and positioned Edmonton as an inspiration for other jurisdictions.
Contributions to Education
Sister Rosaline believed education was the cornerstone of interfaith harmony. She frequently spoke at public events and contributed articles to newspapers and journals, advocating for respect and understanding across faiths. In 2005, she became the project lead for the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s “Safe and Caring Schools” initiative, helping develop lesson plans to instill respect for all faiths among students.
Legacy and Honors
Sister Rosaline received numerous awards for her lifetime of service. When asked about the secret to building a caring interfaith community, she emphasized the importance of collaboration, dialogue, and extending a helping hand to those in need. On May 1, 2022, Sister Rosaline passed away, leaving a legacy of hope, love, and unity. In her honor, a tree was planted in Israel, symbolizing life, hope, and enduring love.