As sunlight flooded the 299 lobby, more than one hundred Mercy Medical Center leaders, colleagues and supporters joined their counterparts from Baystate Health for a Rite of Transition ceremony.
Dr. Roose passes a lit candle to Andrew Ritz, Chief of Staff and Vice President of System Integration, Baystate Health, as Sister Kathleen Poipko, SP, President of the Sisters of Providence congregation, looks on. The passing of the candle symbolizes the transition of Mercy Medical Center to Baystate Health.
In welcoming remarks, Robert Roose, MD, MPH, President of Acute Care, Trinity Health Of New England, spoke about the Sisters of Providence, their healing ministry that began more than 150 years ago, and the privilege it has been to follow their example of service to the community. Dr. Roose also acknowledged the lasting impact Mercy colleagues have had on the patients they’ve cared for over the years.
The Most Reverend William Byrne, Bishop of Springfield, has on hand to offer prayers during the Rite of Transition. He also called on Baystate Health leaders to come together at the front of the lobby, blessing them as they prepare to work with Mercy colleagues and take on new responsibilities at the hospital.
The symbolic highlight of the Rite of Transition was the passing of a lit candle from Dr. Roose to Andrew Ritz, Chief of Staff and Vice President of System Integration, Baystate Health, as Sister Kathleen Popko, SP, President of the Sisters of Providence congregation stood between them. The passing of the lit candle symbolized the “passing of the torch” of leadership from one organization to another.
The transition was completed on November 1 when Baystate Health took ownership of Mercy, changing the facility’s name to Baystate Mercy Hospital.
Robert Roose, MD, MPH, President of Acute Care, Trinity Health Of New England, welcomes those gathered at Mercy Medical Center for the Rite of Transition to Baystate Health.
The Most Reverend William Byrne, Bishop of Springfield, blesses Baystate Health leaders as they prepare to take on new responsibilities at Mercy Medical Center.
The Most Reverend William Byrne, Bishop of Springfield, offers a prayer at Mercy’s Rite of Transition to Baystate Health.