With the recent celebration of our Congregation's 150th Jubilee, our sponsored ministry CHRISTUS Health wanted to do something special to mark the event. Jason Proctor, Ministry President for CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, began brainstorming ways to share the Sisters’ story with those entering the hospital. An opportunity arose when a wing was being renovated to accommodate more patients. This small change was poised to make a big impact, much like the effort of the first 18 Sisters who founded the hospital in 1937. The new wing would be dedicated to Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd (Frances Siedliska) and the original 18 Sisters who served there.
The hospital was first established to meet the needs of the growing population and to provide modern, accessible, high-quality, faith-based healthcare to everyone in East Texas. The mission's endurance was quickly tested. The hospital was set to open on March 19th, the solemnity of St. Joseph. Like St. Joseph, who was called to act quickly, the Sisters and hospital staff were called to respond immediately. On March 18th, the day before the opening, there was an explosion at New London School, one of the deadliest school disasters in U.S. history. Without hesitation, the team decided to open the doors early to care for those injured in the explosion. It was not the kind of grand opening they had planned, but it revealed exactly who they were, and who they would be, serving the people of East Texas in their greatest need. The story of the hospital’s beginnings is well known throughout East Texas, and the legacy is not only remembered but continues to shine today as a beacon of hope for those in need.
Our Mother Foundress would be proud of her 18 little daughters who began this work. Seeing their names in the newly dedicated wing is an honor and a gift, reminding the staff that the Sisters continue to walk alongside them in prayer and support as they extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. With community always in mind, CHRISTUS invited the nurses who would staff this wing to take part in its creation. All along the corridors are pictures chosen by the nurses, and under each picture is a quote from Mother Foundress.
An extra special detail is the photo of Mother Foundress, who is gazing upon the Holy Family and the original hospital building. Sr. Rita Fanning, who serves as the CHRISTUS Health Program Director Mission Integration, said she was “overwhelmed with emotions of joy and gratitude when the wall dedicated to Mother Foundress and the 18 Sisters was revealed.”
Many administrators, doctors, nurses, and Associates came for the blessing and dedication of this newly renovated wing. Sr. Malgorzata Majszczyk, who serves as a Chaplain, and Sr. Rita enjoyed lingering by each image in the hallway and each person who stopped by to see this special area. There is a beautiful, very genuine love for Mother Frances, for whom the hospital is named, and the Sisters, who over the years, have staffed this hospital. As evidence, the Chief Nursing Executive asked Sr. Rita to come the very next day and bless the first shift of nurses who would care for the patients coming to this wing.
As a Congregation we are deeply touched by this kind gift in honor of our 150th Jubilee. We pray that God continues to bless this work, and that our Mother Foundress and the first 18 Sisters continue to shape and guide each person who enters CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital.
Photo Credit: Coleman Swierc, Public Relations, CHRISTUS Health
