Sisters of Providence (Montreal) facts for kids
The Sisters of Providence are a group of Catholic sisters. They were founded in 1843 by a caring woman named Émilie Gamelin. Their main office is in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. These sisters are known for helping people in need, especially the poor and the sick. They have different groups, or "provinces," in various places like the Philippines.
Contents
History of the Sisters of Providence
The Sisters of Providence were first called "Daughters of Charity, Servants of the Poor." They were started in Montreal, Canada, on March 25, 1843. This happened with the help of Bishop Ignace Bourget and Madame Émilie Gamelin. Émilie Gamelin had lost her husband and three children. She felt a special connection to "Our Lady of Sorrows," which is still an important day for the sisters.
Early Beginnings and Providence House
Before starting the Sisters, Émilie Gamelin was a widow without children. She had been taking care of many poor and sick older women in her own home since 1836. Later, Émilie and her 24 guests moved to a bigger house. This new home was called the "Yellow House." Soon, it became known as "Providence House."
Founding the Congregation
Bishop Bourget wanted to bring French Sisters of Charity to Montreal. When that plan did not work out, he decided to ask young women from his own area. On March 25, 1843, seven sisters received their religious clothes from the Bishop. This happened in the chapel of the first shelter in Montreal. Émilie Gamelin became the first leader of this new group.
The new organization grew quickly. Their goal was to help the poor and sick in many ways. They offered spiritual and physical comfort. They also provided shelter for children and older people. The sisters visited homes of the poor and ill. They cared for those who were sick and had no home. They also ran places where needy people could get medicine. And they taught young people. For example, they opened a shelter for Irish children who had lost their parents to typhus. They also took charge of a school for girls.
Expanding to the Pacific Northwest
In 1854, the sisters opened St. Joseph Orphanage in Burlington. This was at the request of Bishop Louis de Goesbriand. Two years later, in 1856, Bishop Augustin-Magloire Blanchet asked the Sisters of Providence for help. He was the bishop of a new area called the Diocese of Nesqually. This area was in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
Sister Joseph Pariseau was chosen to lead four other sisters on a mission to that region. They traveled for over a month by train and ship from Montreal. They arrived on December 8, 1856. They settled in Vancouver, Washington. There, they started a convent-school. Soon after, they opened St. Joseph Hospital. This hospital later became PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. Sister Joseph Pariseau went on to design and build more than 30 hospitals, schools, orphanages, and libraries. These were built across British Columbia, Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. Because of her important work, the State of Washington honored her. She is one of two people chosen to represent the state in the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, D.C.
Other Foundations
The Sisters of Providence of Montreal also helped start other groups:
- The Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul in Kingston, Ontario, Canada (1861).
- The Sisters of Our Lady of Seven Dolors (1887).
The rules for the Sisters of Providence were officially approved on September 12, 1900.
Present Day Activities
The Sisters of Providence believe that God's loving presence watches over everyone. They feel that God is active in them and through them. This belief is what they call "Providence."
The congregation is part of a group called the Women of Providence in Collaboration.
Providence Health & Services is a large healthcare system. It was started by the Sisters of Providence.
The Museum of the Sisters of Providence opened in 1996. It is located in the Providence International Centre. The museum shares the story of Émilie Gamelin and the history of the Sisters of Providence.
See also
