Springfield’s Bishop Visits Mercy to Begin Heritage Week Celebration
July 22, 2024Categories: Events
Each year, colleagues of Mercy Medical Center celebrate Heritage Week to pay tribute to the Sisters of Providence congregation for creating and sponsoring the health ministry. To mark the start of Mercy’s annual celebration, the Most Reverend William Byrne, Bishop of Springfield, offered Mass in the Deliso Conference Center. The Mass also included in a commissioning ceremony led by Sister Kathleen Popko, SP, and Sister Ruth McGoldrick, SP, who asked participants to renew their commitment to their patients and the local community. Following the Mass, Bishop Byrne and Mercy leaders rounded on patient floors to meet with colleagues.
Bishop William Byrne celebrates Mass at Mercy Medical Center.
Heritage Week events will continue through July 19, the 174th birthday of Catherine Horan, who became known as Mother Mary of Providence when she founded the Sisters of Providence of Holyoke. Mother Mary was one of four Sisters of Providence who came to the area from Canada in 1873. Shortly after their arrival, they established the House of Providence and accepted the first orphan. Ultimately, this first ministry became what is now known as Brightside for Families and Children.
“During Heritage Week, we remember and honor all of the Sisters of Providence, great women whose many stories teach about hope, courage, community, God’s providence, and service to those in need, and we are proud to carry on their legacy,” said Michael Rogers, PhD, Mission Integration Consultant, Mercy Medical Center.