Salvatrice Liota

Sister Salvatrice Liota was born in Hamilton, Ontario, the daughter of Italian immigrants, Sr. Liota has devoted her life to welcoming newcomers to Canada, easing their transition to a new land, language and culture.

As a member of Sisters of Service of Canada, she served at Pier 21 from 1955 to 1969, bringing warmth, compassion and practical assistance to make the transition to a new country easier and more gentle.

Because of the oft-told stories of her parents' immigration experience, she was attuned to the commonalities of their situations - coming as strangers to a new land, a new language, culture and way of life. Would they be accepted? Would they be welcomed - find work? Could they adjust? And, added to this, was the loneliness. Salvatrice intuitively sensed this and was there to welcome, assist, support, counsel and guide. By 1965 there were over a thousand Italians who remained and settled in Halifax area. To Italian community, Sister Sally was their own mother Cabrini. She was their Mother, advisor, friend and advocate. She helped them to bring the best of their culture, experience, and family values to their new home while assisting their integration into Canadian society. In 1966 she received special recognition from Pope Paul VI. The Citation read, in part ..." for the generous service you are fulfilling with the spiritual example of Christian Charity in favour of the immigrants landing at the Port of Halifax."

Sister Sally also received the Archdiocesan Medal of Merit for her work among the immigrants in Halifax. This was bestowed by Archbishop James Hayes, Archbishop of Halifax.

As a representative of Sisters of Service, she attended the official opening of Pier 21 on July 1, 1999. It was a time to reconnect with many people whom she had welcomed to Canada.

Sister Salvatrice now resides in Toronto and continues to follow with interest the on-going development of the Pier 21 National Historic Site.