Mercy Medical Center marked Heritage Week, July 17-21, with several activities including a colleague barbeque, a “cornhole” tournament, and a visit from Bishop William Byrne of the Diocese of Springfield. These activities presented the opportunity for colleagues to pay tribute to members of the Sisters of Providence congregation for creating and sponsoring the health ministry.
In 1873, four Sisters of Providence from Canada established the Holyoke mission, courageously leaving behind all that was familiar to venture into western Massachusetts. Within one week of arrival, they established the House of Providence and accepted the first orphan. Shortly afterward, they were ministering to so many needy and infirm that the House of Providence was filled to capacity.
“While many things have changed over the years, one important element has remained the same – we continue to provide the healing touch that was first extended so long ago by those four Sisters of Providence,” said Robert Roose, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Administrative Officer, Mercy Medical Center and Johnson Memorial Hospital. “By celebrating Heritage Week, we take time to contemplate our role as caretakers of the Sisters’ mission, vision and values."