PROVIDENCE

PROVIDENCE PAGES 

Vol. 3 No. 18 SPRING 2011 

Published regularly by the Communications Office of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul 

Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul 

Commemorative Edition 

It’s been a grace and a blessing to have been called to be a part of and to serve within this small religious congregation. 

With simplicity, competency and trust, our Sisters have given their lives to promote the Reign of God’s justice, love and peace in 

various ‘pockets of Providence’ in Canada, Guatemala, Peru and even for a time in Uganda. – General Superior Sister Pauline Lally 2007-2011 

photo above: Sister Monica Whalen, left, 150th Committee member and General Superior Sister Pauline Lally bless the new stained glass window at Providence Manor. 

The legacy window by Kingston artist Mark Thompson, was commissioned to commemorate this anniversary year.

“..But the beat 

goes on” 

SISTER 

PAULINE LALLY 

2007-2011 

During my 

last term 

in Leadership, 

we closed three of our longstanding 

missions where we had 

served for over a total of over 300 

years. Each closing was filled with 

mixed emotions: emotions of considerable 

sadness because we were 

leaving, but our hearts were also full 

of gratitude and great joy for the 

many years we had ministered 

among the people. 

Remembering 

Stories were told by the hundreds as 

Sisters and people reminisced together. 

The Sisters seemed to be 

part of everything; they were a vibrant 

and instrumental presence in 

the parish and the town. “They were 

at everything,” said a parishioner. 

You found them at wakes and weddings; 

you found them teaching in 

the schools and visiting in the 

homes; you found them doing 

healthcare in the hospitals and training 

altar boys in the parish; directing 

concerts and festivals; coordinating 

picnics, sports, music and fundraising. 

The Sisters simply carried out diverse 

ministries in collaboration with 

the people of the parish and the 

town to bring about the reign of 

God through their presence, prayer 

and work. Of course, we would be 

missed. 

Spirituality of Hard Times 

I observed in these closures that 

some people felt a sense of abandonment, 

and our Sisters felt what 

comes with surrender. Once the 

feelings were named, processed and 

accepted, they began to change into 

feelings of hope and challenge with 

the knowledge that needs would be 

met in other ways by other folks. 

Sign of the Times 

I am sure these closures are not 

unique to our community, the Sisters 

Providence Pages 

SP publication since 1988 

2 

of Providence of St. Vincent de 

Paul. It seems to be a sign of the 

times for many apostolic congregations 

like ours. 

These closures call us 

and the people to practise 

the spirituality of 

“hard times,” the spirituality 

of abandonment, 

of surrender, of challenge 

and of hope. For example, 

over 100 years ago when a small pox 

epidemic was experienced in Smiths 

Falls, Ontario, we, Sisters of Providence 

from Kingston, came to these 

stricken families. We came in twos 

into their homes. One Sister would 

care for the sick; the other would 

keep house. The story goes that 

when the epidemic was over, the 

people of Smiths Falls asked, “If we 

build you a hospital, would you 

stay?” So with the Archbishop’s permission, 

we returned to staff a small 

Catholic hospital along the Rideau 

River system. Later we opened and 

taught in the parish school. So Providence 

called us through the people. 

Parish, Hospital, School 

I am told that we were a quiet presence 

in every aspect of parish and 

community life. As one 

native said, “It was a 

multi-faceted ministry that 

worked. I remember the 

Sisters walking in all kinds 

of weather from the 

church, to the hospital, to 

the school.” And one of the Sisters 

said, “It was a wonderful, alive 

mixed community of nurses and 

teachers and later parish and social 

workers. We worked hard. I hardly 

remember Vatican II taking place, 

we worked so hard. A day off was 

taking a patient by ambulance to 

Kingston. It was 

a very difficult 

time when we 

lost the hospital 

in the 70s.” Our 

hospital was 

closed because 

Catholic hospitals 

do not 

perform abortion. 

And there were the schools. Just a

few days before she died, I asked 

Sister Rose Collins, who had served 

there as our teacher and principal 

for 35 years, “What was your fondest 

memory of Smiths Falls?” Without 

a pause Sister answered, “All my 

memories were fond.” 

Providence called us to Smiths Falls 

and Perth and Arnprior, lovely little 

valley towns and now Providence is 

calling the last Sisters back. Back to 

where the Providence dream began 

for the Archdiocese. We read in the 

book of Job, “The Lord giveth and 

the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the 

name of the Lord.” 

Pathfinders 

You know the old saying – if you 

are really successful, you work yourself 

out of a job. Religious are really 

not called to maintain the status quo 

in the Church but to be the “shock 

troops,” to “push the envelope” 

with our mystical-prophetic lives. 

Perhaps once it was prophetic of us 

to open Catholic hospitals and 

schools where there were none. Perhaps 

we were not meant to stay 

there and become comfortable in 

those missions. 

Religious have always been called to 

be Pathfinders. And perhaps that is 

what is being called of us today. The 

schools and the hospitals continue. 

What would those valley towns be 

without having us there? We leave a 

legacy and a challenge for the people. 

We, too, must 

leave in hope and 

maintain our 

hope by listening 

to that deep 

mysticalprophetical 

call 

within us today. 

When I was in Ireland during my Jubilee 

year, I visited the Brigidine 

Sisters at Kildare. Wonderful Sisters 

named after St. Bridget. These Brigidine 

Sisters are only a couple of 

hundred years old. St. Bridget and 

her abbey were founded in Kildare 

about 1,500 years ago. At Bridget’s 

death there were only 20 nuns of 

her order left, but the spirit of St. 

Bridget and what she stood for 

never died in Ireland. It was kept 

alive in the hearts and minds of the 

150 Years 

people. For, several hundred years 

later, her spirit arose with the foundation 

of this new order of sisters 

filled with her charism. We, too, 

must live in that kind of spirit, for as 

Jesus tells us, “if the seed does not 

die it will remain just a seed of love, 

but if it dies, new life will come.” 

Challenge and Hope 

It was not easy for the last Sisters to 

enter into the spirituality of surrender. 

It was not easy for the people of 

those parishes who felt a sense of 

abandonment. This surrender and 

abandonment had to be accepted 

with both challenge and hope. For 

the Providence presence does not 

leave Smiths Falls, Perth or Arnprior. 

How could it? In the many 

years where our Sisters were sharing 

their individual giftedness, surely 

something of our spirit and charism 

was left. Something must have 

rubbed off, because many of the 

young women of these parishes entered 

our order over the years. 

But they are not entering any more. 

“It is hard to believe there are no 

Sisters to send,” I told them at Mass. 

“Sisters don’t grow on trees in 

Kingston; they come from families 

like yours and mine, but they are not 

coming now. It is a different world. 

Is it because we are entering another 

era where the laity is called to take 

its rightful place in the Church? Is 

God calling us to be smaller, to be 

something different? Something 

new? What does Providence have in 

mind for us?” 

And so as in the days of yore, we go 

forward in hope, knowing God is indeed 

with us. As we dream religious 

life into something new, where will 

we meet the God of the future 

coming to us? Perhaps our big 

work is over, but for the folks in the 

parishes it isn’t. 

I have often thought that the 

Church of the first millennium was 

the Church of the clergy; of the second 

millennium, the Church of the 

religious; and the Church of this 

third millennium, the Church of the 

laity where the laity takes a significant 

role within the Pilgrim People 

of God. “All our gifts are needed,” I 

told the people. “Know that your 

3

destiny will not be written for you, 

but with God’s help, by you. Keep 

the Providence presence alive together. 

Be Providence now for one 

another and for our World.” 

We, Sisters of Providence of St. 

Vincent de Paul, will never forget 

the people of Smiths Falls, the 

people of Perth and the people of 

Arnprior. We leave but the Church 

remains and “the beat goes on.” 

— Sister Pauline Lally, 

General Superior 2007 -2011 

Commemorative Edition 


page 

2 But the Beat Goes On 

Reflection by Sister Pauline Lally 

5 150th Celebration 

From official launch to June 2011 

7 150th Stained Glass Window 

by Sr. Dianne McNamara 

8 Providence Woman 

Sister Rita pens celebration song 

9 Celebration of Remembrance 

Honouring the deceased Sisters 

10 From Peru 

Reflection from South America 

11 Tree Dedication 

150th Commemorative Tree Blessing 

12 Anniversary Photo Gallery 

13 Chapter / Installation 

New Leadership Team installed 

page 

17 Happy 100th Birthday 

Sr. Margaret becomes Centenarian 

17 Appreciation Tea 

Recognition for SP volunteers 

18 JPIC - Poverty Diet 

by Tara Kainer 

19 Providence Associates 

Associates part of 150 year history 

20 Heirloom Seed Sanctuary 

Seed security by Cate Henderson 

21 In Memoriam 

Sr. Theresa Matthews 


Sr. Inez Donovan 


Sr. Grace Garvey 

24 Contacts/Mission Statement 

15 Jubilee 

8 Sisters celebrate anniversaries 

16 New Kingston Hospital 

by Sr. Sheila Langton 

4

BY CHRISTINE ROSS 

Planning for this milestone 

began more than two years 

ago culminating in the official 

launch on December 13, 2010. 

A special evening Prayer was recited 

by all members in Kingston, Western 

Canada and Peru. On this day, 

large exterior banners depicting the 

150 year journey, were erected at 

Providence Motherhouse and 

Providence Manor (Foundation 

House) in Kingston, Rosary Hall in 

Edmonton and in Peru. 

souvenir calendar 

Souvenir calendars containing 

historic photographs of the 

congregation were distributed to 

Sisters, Associates and staff. 

The public launch on May 7th 

featured a Eucharistic celebration, 

guest speakers, videos and static 

Sisters in the West in front 

of large exterior banner. 

displays of archival artifacts. 

The inspiration for the anniversary 

year theme was taken from the 

rosette or centrepiece in a 

beautiful stained glass window 

commissioned for this special event. 

Created by Kingston artist Mark 

Thompson, the legacy window 

captivates visitors at the entrance to 

Chapel at Providence Manor. It 

features seven characters in the 

centre rosette representing the local 

people cared for by the Sisters. Mark 

also restored a second window on 

the opposite wall of the Chapel 

entrance. 

The local artist spent a year and a 

half on the windows that were 

blessed at an anniversary event on 

Celebrating 150 faith-filled years 

5 

Kingston artist Mark Thompson 

designed and created the anniversary 

stained glass window installed 

Providence Manor. 

Mother’s Day, May 8th. For a full 

description of the windows, refer to 

page 7. 

It’s been a remarkable journey for 

the Sisters of Providence of St. 

Vincent de Paul. The pioneering 

spirit of the only religious congregation 

founded in Kingston, endures 

to this day, 150 years after its 

foundation. 

In the late 19th and early 20th 

centuries, the congregation was 

devoted to service to forgotten 

people — the homeless, poor, 

aged, prisoners and sick in their 

homes and later in hospitals. Eventually, 

Sisters moved into education, 

hospitals, social and pastoral ministry. 

This dedication has taken Sisters 

to the poorest regions of Peru 

and Guatemala. Their Mission resonates 

“Serving with Compassion, 

Trusting in Providence, We Walk in 

Hope.” 

Since 1861, the Sisters have worked 

diligently to address the root causes 

of poverty. Not only leaders in 

charity, but also a strong voice for 

justice. Make Poverty History has 

been the rallying cry for the Justice, 

Peace and Integrity of Creation 

(JPIC) Office. For over 15 years, 

Sisters and their supporters stand 

shoulder to shoulder at Kingston’s 

City Hall in a silent vigil to protest 

social cuts and to advocate for the 

poor. 

In 1994, the Sisters recognized their 

responsibility to the environment, 

creating an organic garden on the 

grounds of Providence Motherhouse 

on Princess Street. A century 

old barn began its new purpose – 

storing seeds and hosting workshops. 

Thousands of visitors have 

toured the award-winning Heirloom 

Seed Sanctuary to learn about the

sanctity of seeds and seed saving. 

The annual August Tomato Tasting 

Day is a perennial favourite. 

Today, almost half the congregation 

live at Providence Motherhouse in 

Kingston, a stately limestone building 

on 33 acres of farmland in the 

heart of the city. “Thou Shalt Not 

Park” signs along the laneway serve 

to remind visitors that this oasis, 

right beside one of Kingston’s 

busiest intersections, is a different 

kind of place. Today, the Sisters 

continue their ministry of prayer as 

well as their hands-on work; pastoral 

care with the sick and with inmates, 

outreach to schools and community, 

facilitating and sponsoring retreats 

and workshops at Providence Spirituality 

Centre. Sisters are no longer 

on the front lines of education and 

health care, but schools and hospitals 

carry on the legacy first established 

by the congregation over a 

century ago. 

Just four Sisters strong in 1861, the 

numbers peaked at 382 in the mid 

sixties, just as the Second Vatican 

Council helped to inspire their 

present vision. With diminishing 

numbers comes an unknown future 

for the congregation of the Sisters 

of Providence of St. Vincent de 

Paul. They face it with hope and 

trust in Providence. 

Kingston Archibishop Brendan O’Brien 

presided over the May 7th Eucharist. 

In his homily, he said “The Sisters are 

humble but their legacy is a proud one.” 

150 Years 

150th Anniversary 

Prayer 

Sisters of Providence of 

St. Vincent de Paul 

Peggy Flanagan SP 

Loving, Provident God of our past, of 

our present, and of our future, thinking 

back to 1861 and to those, who following 

a vision, founded a community to 

serve and empower the poor and 

oppressed, in Kingston and beyond, 

we give thanks. 

In this time of uncertainty, while 

remembering 150 years of ministry, and 

of growing together in love, help us to 

forget all division, as we discern and 

embrace the new vision to which you 

call us. 

May these old wine skins be open to the 

new wine you wish to pour into our 

hearts, so that we may, in these challenging 

times, continue to make choices leading 

to abundant life. 

Now, as we say, Thanks for our past, 

and Yes to our future, we raise our 

voices in one great 

ALLELUIA! 

AMEN 

Congregational Archivist Sr. Gayle 

Desarmia created a visual timeline on 

the sanctuary steps in the Chapel. 

She was one of several guest speakers 

to share the 150 year journey of the 

Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de 

Paul during a presentation on May 7th. 

Also speaking were members of the 

SP’s in Montreal and Holyoke, 

Massachusetts. 

The Sisters of Providence based in Peru 

created a powerpoint presentation. 

left to right: Sisters Sara Jiménez 

Angulo, Rose- Marie Bokenfohr and 

Rose Healy. 

6

WRITTEN AND PRESENTED BY 

SISTER DIANNE MCNAMARA AT 

WINDOW BLESSING/DEDICATION 

In our faith tradition, stained 

glass windows have been used 

to provide inspiration and to 

tell the story of our journey. 

As we look at the window, the crest 

in the upper left corner is the coat 

of arms of the Kingston Archdiocese. 

The crest of the Sisters of 

Providence of St. Vincent de Paul is 

on the upper right of this panel. 

The centre image of this left panel 

is that of Bishop E.J. Horan of 

Kingston, who invited the sisters to 

come from Montreal in 1861. The 

quotation: “It is for the Glory of 

God and the good of the poor that 

I began this foundation” is taken 

from his writings. Below this is the 

trillium flower, symbol of the 

Province of Ontario, where the 

Motherhouse of the Sisters of Providence 

of St. Vincent de Paul is located. 

The ministries of the 

Congregation began here and 

moved outward as the needs became 

known to the Sisters. 

The current pin of the Sisters of 

Providence is seen in the top left 

corner of the far right panel. The 

pin takes the shape of a tear drop 

which symbolizes the congregation’s 

devotion to Mary, Mother of Sorrows. 

Beside the pin is the barque, 

the small boat referred to by the 

founding Sister to describe the 

Stained Glass 

7 

image of Providence which takes 

the community in the direction God 

desires. The centre image of this 

panel is Mother Mary Edward 

(McKinley) the first General 

Superior of the Kingston foundation. 

Over the years, it has been said 

that her headdress represents the 

fleur de lis for the roots of the Congregation 

stemming from Montreal. 

The inscription below this image is a 

quote from Mother Mary Edward 

about the early beginnings: “Providence 

has guided us safely in sunshine 

and in shadow.”Below the 

quote are symbols of wheat, mountains 

and plains, indicating the areas 

where the Sisters served in ministry 

across Canada from Montreal to the 

west coast. 

Turning to the center panel of the 

window in the upper left, appears 

the pestle & bowl, symbol of nursing 

and health care, and to its right 

is the lamp representing education, 

the two main ministries of the congregation. 

This entire panel captures 

the story of ministry offered by the 

Sisters from the beginning to the 

present day. 

The centre rosette shows a Sister of 

Providence of St. Vincent de Paul. 

In the background we see the chapel 

of Our Mother of Sorrows built by 

Mother Mary Edward, a native 

Kingstonian. This chapel where we 

are today, is part of the original 

foundation. 

Held compassionately in the hands 

of a Sister are the symbols of the 

many ministries of the Congregation 

over the years. Starting from the 

left; ministry to prisoners, to unwed 

mothers, to the elderly and infirm, 

ministry to orphans, to aboriginal 

peoples and to all others who are 

poor and in need. 

Below this is a quote from the 

continued on page 17

BY SISTER RITA GLEASON 

The story of 

‘Provident 

Woman’ began 

with a phone call from 

Sister Catherine Cannon, 

member of the 

Anniversary Committee 

inviting me to compose a 

song or a poem for the occasion. 

Composer Sister Rita Gleason 

Sister composes Anniversary song 

A short while prior to this phone 

call, while I was on the Celtic 

Pilgrimage in Ireland, Monica 

Brown, facilitator and composer had 

asked me if I had ever considered 

composing music. 

So with Catherine’s invitation, I 

thought, maybe I could compose a 

song! I sat down at the piano and 

started making up this tune for the 

Refrain which I felt had a bit of an 

Irish lilt to it. 

The words of the refrain and the 

title are based on the song ‘Valiant 

Woman’ by Jane Marie Richardson, 

SL — a song based on Proverbs 

31:10-31. The words of the Verses 

reflect our beginning history and 

ministries; our present charism and 

mission statement, and our hope for 

the future as we continue to trust in 

Providence. 

I chose a major key for the Refrain 

to reflect a joyful celebration of 

who we are as Provident women. 

Some may be asking why I chose the 

words Provident Woman. As we are 

celebrating 150 years as a Congregation 

I thought of the valiant 

Provident women who did the 

pioneer work and I wanted to honor 

them. 

Why Woman and not Women? It is 

simply a poetic choice. Like the 

singing group called Celtic Woman. 

The Verses are in a minor key — 

chosen for musical reasons and it 

also gives our call a more reflective 

tone. 

I sought help for the final arrangment 

from California -based 

composer Jim Raycroftt, the son of 

my neighbour. We communicated 

via e-mail, and I am very grateful to 

him for his contribution and 

generosity. 

8

Celebration of Remembrance 

Sisters gathered on a chilly 

May 8th afternoon at St. 

Mary’s Cemetery in 

Kingston to remember the 

deceased members of the 

congregation. Sister Monica 

Whalen offered this opening 

prayer before the names of the 

deceased were announced. 

1 

4 

“We gather this afternoon on 

this sacred ground blessed by 

the presence of many great 

women of Providence who have 

2 

5 

through the years served the people 

of God by living out the charism, 

mission and spirituality of the Sisters 

of Providence of St. Vincent 

de Paul. We come to remember the 

gifts they brought to our congregation 

through their energy, courage, 

zeal, sacrifice and love. We honour 

them today by our presence here, 

3 

1. Sisters Yvette Girard and Mary Benilda read 

the names of Sisters buried in places other than 

St. Mary’s Cemetery in Kingston. 

2. The congregation prays together during the 

spiritual ceremony on Sunday, May 8th. 

3. Albert Dunn leads congregational litany. 

4. Sr. Jeannette Filthaut shares fond 

memories of some of the deceased Sisters. 

5. Sr. Patricia Amyot prays over the graves as 

names of the deceased are announced. 

remembering that we are all living 

and celebrating the Paschal Mystery 

– from death to new life. Let us 

rejoice in the communion we share 

with one another, with all who have 

gone before us, and with those yet 

to come. Let us praise and bless our 

God. AMEN.” 

St. Mary’s 

cemetery 

440 Sisters 

1 postulant 

1 dear friend 

Crypt 

St. Mary’s 

Cathedral 

7 Sisters 

Holyoke, MA 

2 Sisters 

Rosedale 

Cemetery, 

Moose Jaw 

6 Sisters 

Joachim 

Cemetery in 

Edmonton 

7 Sisters 

Family plots 

in Sask. and 

Edmonton 

2 Sisters 

9

BY SISTER ROSE HEALY 

In 1967 the 

congregation 

opened two 

missions in Latin America, 

one in Peru and one in 

Guatemala. the Sisters withdrew 

from Guatemala in 2003 leaving 

their mission to another congregation. 

Four sisters were missioned to 

Peru. They settled in a very poor 

area on the outskirts of Lima, the 

capital. 

After Vatican II the bishops of 

Latin America met periodically to 

implement the dictates of the Council 

and to meet the challenges of 

changing times. These conferences 

were prophetic but the decisions 

were not always accepted by all. 

There are huge differences in how 

individual bishops apply them. 

Peruvian society is deeply divided 

between rich and poor and along 

racist times. Injustice and corruption 

are rampant. Peru suffered decades 

of violence during which thousands 

were killed, hundreds buried in unmarked 

graves and property 

destroyed. Those who suffered most 

were the poor peasants of the interior 

but all suffered from blackouts 

and general fear. The chief perpetrator 

of these disasters were leftist 

groups. However, the military was 

also responsible for many of the 

atrocities. Finally after the leaders of 

the rebel groups were captured, life 

returned to a more normal rhythm. 

The government accepted the suggestion 

of a commission to investigate, 

evaluate damages and adopt 

measures of compensation for 

losses. 

Lima is located on the Pacific coast. 

The coastal area sector between the 

Andes and the sea is desert. The 

foot hills are barren, rocky slopes. It 

is here that the poor from the interior 

come to find a better life. What 

they find is this barren space without 

running water, electricity or 

paved roads. They stake out their 

area and build a shack with reed 

mats. This strip of desert is broken 

here and thereby swiftly flowing 

rivers form verdant valleys. One of 

these valleys forms part of the 

parish where the sisters live. The 

peasants who occupy these areas are 

From Peru 

10 

no better off than those in the 

urban areas. The land is owned by 

the wealthy who pay their workers 

starvation wages. 

The Sisters have dedicated time and 

efforts to Christian formation: 

preparation for sacraments, formation 

of Base Christian Communities 

as part of the Christian Workers 

Movement, preparation of lay persons 

to carry on these tasks, organization 

of women’s groups and youth 

groups. In the area of health attention 

to the ill: financial aid for medicines 

and treatments, preparation of 

Health delegates. 

We have given support to the efforts 

for basic services: public transport, 

water and sewage. We celebrated 

with them the anniversary of the 

Truth Commission and in solidarity 

as they struggle for justice for themselves 

and others. We add our voice 

and our presence in demonstrations 

against specific wrongs. The congregation 

has a special fund for the 

mission to which generous benefactors 

contribute. We make use of 

these funds to finance the expenses 

of the health ministry and dedicate 

considerably to post secondary education. 

Those whom we choose to 

educate are selected because of their 

need and their outlook on life. We 

want those who will use their talents 

to make Peru better for all, expecially 

the poor. 

In keeping with trends in Canada, 

we have established a program for 

lay Associates. In 1992, five members 

of the parish team with 

Carmen Alomia as coordinator, 

formed the first group. We now 

have 33 Associates many of whom 

are professionals who share our 

values. 

In these 44 years there have been 

many changes. The reed shacks have 

been replaced by durable and at 

times, attractive houses of brick and 

cement. The Sisters of Providence 

community has also changed. Only 

one Canadian Sr. Rose Marie Bokenfohr 

remains accompanied by two 

Peruvians, Sr. Sara Jiménez and 

Sr. Maria Chinchay. A second parish 

has been formed in the country area 

and Sr. Sara has been invited to 

work there.


The lush grounds of 

Providence Motherhouse 

served as the backdrop for a 

Tree Blessing ceremony to 

commemorate the 150th 

anniversary year. 

Trees were given to the city of 

Kingston, Providence Manor and St. 

Joseph’s Hospital in Edmonton as 

reminders of the congregation’s 

roots and outreach in Kingston and 

beyond. 

The Sisters of Providence also 

blessed and planted trees gifted to 

them including a Birch tree from the 

Conventual Fransiscan Friars and a 

Weeping Willow from Covenant 

Health in Edmonton. The Sisters 

also planted three trees on the property 

to commemorate the anniversary 

year: Autumn Blaze Maple, Red 

Maple and White Oak. 

The Pin Oak given to the city, received 

by City Councillor Rick 

Downes, will be planted in the 

Cricket Field across from the 

County Court House. Providence 

Manor will hold a special blessing 

when they plant a Blue Spruce on 

their site, the Foundation home of 

the Sisters of Providence. 

Each tree received the rite of blessing 

and sprinkling of holy water 

during the afternoon gathering on a 

beautiful sunny Father’s Day, June 

19th. 

Newly installed General Superior 

Sister Sandra Shannon officially 

blessed the trees. “ May they give all 

who look upon them the gift of liferenewing 

beauty and a reminder of 

our co-creative responsibility for all 

of God’s creation.” 

Guests snacked on fresh strawberries 

and cake after the ceremony. 

Tree Planting 

11 

Friar Ed Debono blesses a birch tree 

given to the Sisters by the Fransiscan 

Friars. 

Sr. Una Byrne sprinkles a Maple tree 

with holy water. 

Kingston City Councillor Rick Downes 

attended the event. The city will plant a 

Pin Oak tree to commemorate the 

congregation’s 150th Anniversary. 

Newly installed General Superior, 

Sr. Sandra Shannon, presents a Blue 

Spruce to Providence Associate 

Dianne Dutcher of Providence Manor. 

Sisters Elaine Jacob and Mary Benilda 

bless and sprinkle a Weeping Willow 

gifted to the congregation from 

Covenant Health in the West. 

Sister Mary Bernadette plants a tree 

during a Tree Blessing event June 4th 

at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Edmonton.

Anniversary in Photos 

150th planning committee 

front row l to r: Sr. Catherine Cannon, Christine Ross, 

Sr. Reinalda Kloosterman, Sr. Monica Whalen 

back row l to r: Sr. Gayle Desarmia, Sr. Jeannette 

Filthaut, Elizabeth Cowperthwaite, Doreen Hoekstra 

Many dignitaries attended the 

celebration including 

Kingston’s new liberal MP 

Ted Hsu. 

left to right: Sr. Judith Desmarais (SP Washington) Sr. Karen 

Dufault (SP Washington) Sr. Jeannette Filthaut (SP Edmonton 

& 150th committee member) Sr. Betty Kaczmarczyk (SP 

Montreal) Sr. Kathryn Rutan (SP Montreal) Sr. Gayle Desarmia 

(SP Kingston & 150th committee member) Sr. Jo Ann Showalter 

(SP Washington) Sr. Alba Letelier (SP Montreal) Sr. Kathleen 

Popko (SP Holyoke, Massachusetts) Sr. Elizabeth Oleksak (SP 

Holyoke, Massachusetts) Sr. Ruth McGoldrick (SP Holyoke, 

Massachusetts) 

A visual time line on the steps of the 

sanctuary, created by Archivist Sr. Gayle 

Desarmia. 

Kingston’s Cantabile Choir, under the 

direction of Mark Sirett, performed in the 

Chapel at Providence Manor on Sunday, 

May 8th. 

Archivist Danielle Hughes helped create 

several displays. Also featured, a video 

on the SP’s 150th Anniversary produced 

by the Communications Office. It can be 

viewed at www.providence.ca 

Sr. Sr. Elizabeth Oleksak from 

Holyoke presented this gift to 

the Kingston Sisters of 

Providence — a handcrafted 

commemorative plate. 

12

New Leadership Team 

Sister Sandra Shannon 

General Superior 


The Sisters of Providence of 

St. Vincent de Paul have 

elected a new leadership 

team to a four-year term during the 

congregation’s 37th Chapter gathering. 

The term Chapter is used by 

religious congregations to describe a 

general meeting of elected participants. 

The outcome of Chapter is 

two-fold; setting direction for the 

next four years and electing a Leadership 

Team (governing executive) 

for the same period. 

The council members, Sisters Sandra 

Shannon, Frances O’Brien, Gayle 

Desarmia and Una Byrne were 

officially installed during Sunday 

Eucharist on June 19. 

Sister Frances O’Brien 

General Assistant 

Sister Sandra Shannon has been 

elected General Superior. Sr. Sandra 

brings experience to the role having 

spent nine years on the Leadership 

Team in the past. Her background is 

nursing, initial formation ministry 

for the congregation and most recently, 

Spiritual Care at St. Mary’s of 

the Lake Hospital. 

“We leave our Chapter gathering full 

of life, hope and joy for ourselves 

and for those we serve,” said Sr. 

Sandra. 

13 

Sister Gayle Desarmia 

Councillor 

General Assistant Sister Frances 

O’Brien also brings experience to 

her new role, having previously 

served on council for two terms. 

The former teacher and current 

pastoral counselor and process facilitator 

with experience in conflict resolution, 

plays a key role in the congregation’s 

ongoing commitment to 

eradicating violence against women. 

A member of the Healing Violence 

committee, Sr. Frances has helped 

bring attention to the issue by attracting 

renowned guest speakers 

over the last decade. 

Sister Gayle Desarmia marks her inaugural 

term on Council. A former 

school librarian, and current 

Archivist for the congregation, Sr. 

Gayle has also served as Chair of 

the Catholic Archivist Group. In 

June 2008, she received the Alexander 

Fraser award given by the 

Archives Association of Ontario for 

her dedication to Archives and the 

Sister Una Byrne 

Councillor 

national impact of her efforts to 

preserve the records of the Sisters 

of Providence. 

This marks Sr. Una Byrne’s second 

consecutive term on Council. She 

moved back to Kingston in 2007 to 

serve on Council after spending 

eighteen years ministering in northern 

Ontario and Manitoba. While 

based in Moosonee, the former 

teacher travelled extensively through 

the north working with the First 

Nations. 

Outgoing General Superior Sister 

Pauline Lally reflects on the last four 

years. 

“My service in leadership has provided 

experience full of rich oppor-

tunities and blessings — the greatest 

being getting to know and love our 

sisters at a level I might never have 

had before. Blessings on our wonderful 

new Leadership Team,” says 

Sr. Pauline. 

In recognition of their Leadership, 

the outgoing Council members 

recieved a generous token of appreciation 

from the congregation. 

In addition to the election, the 66 

Sisters gathered at Chapter also 

examined the congregation’s 

direction for the future. 

See Directional Statements - right. 

“Chapter is a sacred time, a holy 

time, a time of renewed friendship 

and sisterhood, a time of examining 

and planning, a time of questioning 

and dreaming, a time both of doubt 

and delight, a time of some anxiety 

and fear, of challenges and hopes,” 

said outgoing General Superior 

Pauline Lally during her opening 

address. 

Despite advancing age and 

diminishing numbers, Sr. Pauline 

believes the future is bright. 

“Women get bolder as they get 

older. Being smaller has potential 

for being more intimate in our 

own relationships which sustains 

us. Relations are so necessary 

now, perhaps even more so, than 

our works, as the strong, large 

labour force of the Church, once 

were,” said Sr. Pauline. 

The Chapter’s unifying resolution 

was reached with direction 

from two experienced facilitators, 

Sr. Barbara Valuckas and Sr. 

Jeannette Blatz. Through small, 

group discussions, the congregation 

reached a consensus. 

Chapter 

This year’s 

Chapter theme 

and logo 

Creating Our Future 

was featured prominently 

during the weeklong event. 

The outgoing and incoming Leadership Teams with Archbishop Brendan O’Brien after 

the Installation Mass on Sunday, June 19th. l to r: Sisters Dianne McNamara, 

Una Byrne, Monica Whalen, Frances O’Brien, Archbishop Brendan O’Brien, 

Sandra Shannon, Gayle Desarmia, and Pauline Lally. 

14 

Chapter 2011 - 

Directional Statement I 

Faithful to our charism, mission and 

spirituality, we, Sisters of Providence of St. 

Vincent de Paul, commit ourselves to take 

significant steps to foster 

revitalization of our congregation 

for the mission: 

• by embracing both new 

members and alternate forms of 

commitment; 

• by adopting structures and attitudes 

that enhance relationships among ourselves 

and with others; 

• by being “educated in love by prayer” 

(St. Vincent de Paul) which invites us to 

engage in regular faith sharing among 

ourselves and with others. 

Directional Statement II 

We, Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent 

de Paul, adopt the following guiding 

principles in the use and divestment of 

our land and buildings both in the short 

and long term planning. 

• To be faithful to our charism, mission 

and spirituality; 

• To share our land and buildings 

with others; 

•To network with others; 

•To maintain the integrity of the land; 

•To keep a focus on the needs of the poor 

and creation. 

Definition: Integrity of the land means the land 

has life, purpose, beauty and sacredness which 

calls us to use all land with respect and reverence 

and to be as ecologically sensitive as 

possible because it is a gift of the Creator.


Sister Pauline Lally described 

this year’s eight Jubilarians as 

unique and unrepeatable 

seeds of God’s creative love. Using 

seeds as a metaphor throughout her 

congratulation speech to Jubilarians 

on Friday, June 17th, Sr. Pauline 

drew comparisons with the lives of 

the celebrants. 

“Because each of you has opened 

up new frontiers, we know we can 

count on you to continue to help us 

do the same, so that we can, like the 

good seed, continue to break open 

our lives in new and exciting ways in 

order to grow in our charism, mission 

and spirituality for the Church 

and the world.” 

Sister Anne Louise Haughian 

celebrates a special diamond (60 

years) Jubilee. Celebrating 50 years 

are Sisters Mary Murphy, Judith Lee, 

Una Byrne, Jeannette Filthaut, Jean 

Higgins, Mary Bernadette (Reichert) 

and Susan Pye. Collectively, these 

women have served a remarkable 

410 years of religious life. 

Sister Jeannette Filthaut continued 

with the seeed theme when she 

spoke on behalf of the Jubilarians. 

“ Seeds scattered and sown often 

bloom beyond where they were first 

planted. Such were our seeds as they 

spread far and wide to a variety of 

places in Canada, Guatemala, Peru 

and the United States.” 

Family and friends attended the 

Eucharistic celebration held on 

Saturday, June 18th in the Chapel of 

Mary, Mother of Compassion at 

Providence Motherhouse. Bishop 

Vincent Cadieux, Bishop of 

Mossonee and Hearst and longtime 

Jubilee 

friend of Jubilarian Sr. Una, delivered 

the homily. 

“One of the most important roles 

of a religious is to listen. This is the 

most precious virtue I’ve learned 

from the native people,” said Bishop 

back row standing l to r: Sisters Una Byrne, Jean Higgins, Susan 

Pye, Judith Lee, Mary Bernadette Reichert, Jeannette Filthaut 

front row l to r: Sisters Anne Louise Haughian, Mary Murphy 

Cadieux. “I see as a 

great example of 

your listenting to 

our times in the 

weekly vigils for the 

last 15 years in 

solidarity with the 

poor on many 

issues. What a way 

15 

to witness your solidarity with people 

in need, which at the same time, 

tells how powerful silent listening is 

to the needs of the poor.” 

In loving memory, the congregation 

honoured the deceased Sisters who 

would have been celebrating this 

year: Sisters Mary Perpetua, Bernice 

Boyle, Nora Forestell, Evelyn 

O’Grady, Dorothy O’Neill, Dorothy 

MacDonell and Catherine Doherty. 

Jubilarians form a procession as they 

exit the Chapel following the Eucharistic 

Celebration.

BY SISTER SHEILA LANGTON 

Every year for the past 12 

years, Providence Care has 

benefited from a significant 

fundraising event called Founders’ 

Dinner. The 12th annual fundraiser 

on March 26, 2011 was memorable 

in several ways. 

The event highlighted the 150th 

anniversary celebration of 

Providence Care and its compassionate 

and quality service to 

residents of Kingston and the 

surrounding region. 

It featured keynote speaker, 

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, 

The Honourable David C. Onley, 

who shared his insights and experiences 

as a champion for disability 

and accessibility issues over many 

years. 

MPP for Kingston and the Islands 

John Gerretsen announced that the 

Ontario government has approved 

plans to build a new hospital to 

replace the aging Mental Health 

Services and St. Mary’s of the Lake 

Hospital facilities. 

“Today is a great day for people in 

Kingston,” said Mr. Gerretsen. “We 

have fought for this brand new 

hospital for 12 years. Our voices 

have been heard and the government 

is delivering a wonderful 

present on the 150th anniversary of 

this fabulous Kingston treasure.” 

“This is wonderful, fantastic news,” 

said Dale Kenney, Providence Care 

President and CEO. “Many people 

have worked very hard to move our 

redevelopment project forward. The 

new hospital will provide an 

improved care environment for our 

patients and clients, a better work 

environment for our hospital staff 

and allow us to continue to serve 

the community for years to come.” 

“Providence Care serves thousands 

of people from across southeastern 

Ontario each year,” remarked Glen 

Wood, Chair of Providence Care 

Board of Directors. “The new 

hospital will help our organization 

meet the needs of patients, clients 

and their families and to continue to 

live the Mission of providing 

enhanced quality of life to those we 

serve.” 

New Hospital 

The site of the 

new hospital will 

be very close to 

the current 

location of 

Providence 

Care’s Mental 

Health Services 

at King Street 

West, adjacent 

to Lake Ontario 

Park. Current 

plans include 

270 inpatient 

beds, as well as 

numerous outpatient 

services. 

Providence Care will provide 

specialized mental health, rehabilitation, 

palliative care, specialized 

geriatric and complex continuing 

care programs at the new facility. 

As a Sister of Providence 

representing the Sponsor of 

Providence Care, the Catholic 

Health Corporation of Ontario, I 

am confident in Divine Providence 

to always provide for the sick and 

elderly. To paraphrase a line from 

left to right: Glen Wood (Chair Providence Care Board of 

Directors), Sister of Providence Sheila Langton (Board member 

Providence Care Board of Directors), Shelagh Nowlan, (VP, 

Long-Term Care at Providence Care ) and Dale Kenney 

(Providence Care CEO). All were special guests at the 150th 

anniversary weekend events May 7th and 8th. 

the Mission Statement of my 

congregation, the Sisters of 

Providence of St. Vincent de Paul: 

“Let us continue to serve with 

compassion, trusting in Providence 

and walking in hope.” 

16

Stained Glass continued from page 7 

Sisters’ mission statement written in 

1989: “Serving with compassion, 

trusting in Providence, we walk in 

hope.” To the left and below is the 

llama depicting ministry with the 

people of Peru, and to the right the 

quetzal bird representing ministry 

with the people of Guatemala. In 

the centre lower oval we find the 

hands of Providence entrusting us 

all with care for our earth. 

This stained glass window which we 

bless today, sheds light on the past 

150 years of the journey of the 

Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent 

de Paul. We trust that this window 

will provide the legacy of the story 

of the Sisters from its humble 

beginning, to this day and on into 

the future. 

Sister Dianne McNamara describes the 

stained glass window to those gathered 

at Providence Manor on May 8th. 

Happy Birthday 

17 

Happy birthday Sister 

Margaret McCallion. 

Her birthday party was 

held at Providence Motherhouse 

on Tuesday, April 26, 2011. 

Surrounded by her community, 

family and friends, Sr. Margaret 

attended a party in her honour in 

the Sisters’ Dining Room. 

Sr. Margaret was born in Scotland 

and moved to Canada in 1928. She 

became a Sister of Providence in 

1947. Sister was a dedicated and 

much-loved educator in schools in 

Eastern Ontario. 

Appreciation Tea 

Six Sisters of Providence were honoured at a Volunteer Luncheon at Providence Manor on April 13th. 

They received the Award of Distinction, recognizing an outstanding contribution to Providence Manor. 

left to right: Sisters Catherine Cannon, Marlene Schuster, Rose Anne Ryan, Sheila Way, Alma Sutton and 

Una Byrne. Other Providence Manor volunteers were recognized on this day. 

Photo: Chonglu Huang

BY TARA KAINER 

“I have a fire in my belly,” 

Elaine Power, Queen’s Professor 

of Health & Kinesiology, 

explained during a wrap-up panel of 

Do the Math Challenge participants on 

May 26th at St. Vincent de Paul 

Society in front of an audience of 

about 30 people. The event was cosponsored 

by the Food Providers’ 

Networking Group and the 

Kingston Community Roundtable 

for Poverty Reduction. 

While she has worked in the field of 

food security and health for the past 

15 years, Professor Power said only 

after eating for three days, of the 

food Ontario’s most vulnerable typically 

must rely on to survive, did she 

truly understand the reality of those 

she studies. “Now I feel it in my 

bones and blood and belly,” she 

said. “And I need to do something 

to satisfy my rage.” 

The Challenge is Phase II of Put 

Food in the Budget (PFIB), a 

province-wide campaign launched in 

2009 by Social Planning Councils of 

Ontario and Toronto’s The Stop: 

Community Food Centre to address 

the chronic inadequacy of Ontario 

Works and Ontario Disability incomes. 

It invites participants to live 

on a food bank diet from three days 

to a week and comment publicly on 

their experiences. While the campaign 

ultimately strives to raise social 

assistance rates to levels based 

on the actual 

cost of living, 

as an interim 

measure PFIB 

proposes that 

the provincial 

government 

implement a 

healthy food 

supplement of 

$100/month 

for all Ontarians living on social 

assistance. 

Phase I of the campaign was Do the 

Math, an on-line survey asking the 

public and all MPPs in Ontario to 

put themselves in the shoes of a single 

person receiving assistance and 

to estimate the cost of their rent, 

food, transportation, toiletries, etc. 

On average the gap between what 

Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation 

left to right: Participants Susan Belyea and 

Kingston Mayor Mark Gerretsen 

18 

Ontario Works recipients get, a 

maximum of $592/month and what 

participants perceive they need, is 

$965, for a total of $1557/month. 

Facilitated by PFIB’s campaign organizer, 

Mike Balkwill, the panel 

also included Mayor Mark Gerretsen, 

United Way Board member 

Elizabeth Barton, and Susan Belyea 

from Loving 

Spoonful. 

Kingston writer 

and teacher 

Susan Olding 

and Fly-FM 

radio hosts 

Jenn-O, Joe 

unable to attend. 

Leary and Jeff 

Scott were 

Participants present expressed varying 

degrees of outrage, frustration 

and dismay about the indignity 

Ontario’s poor suffer in the face of 

government inaction and societal 

complacency. Commenting about 

the nutritional content of emergency 

food being clearly inadequate, 

Mayor Gerretsen said, “We need to 

adhere to a higher standard for quality 

and get all three levels of government 

to take action.” 

Elizabeth Barton noted that the lack 

of nutrients in the food left her feeling 

shaky, exhausted, dull, and ill. 

“Food, along with clean water, equal 

access to health care, housing and 

child care are fundamental rights we 

need to uphold,” she argued. 

Susan Belyea spoke about the inability 

of charity to ever meet the desperate 

need. “By the time a can of 

soup gets through the food bank 

system and into the hands of a recipient, 

the cost of that can is about 

$20. We need to stop targeting the 

poor and provide universal solutions 

that work for everybody. Public libraries 

are a good model to follow.” 

When asked by the moderator what 

would mitigate her anger, Professor 

Power offered a universal minimum 

income such as that proposed by 

Senator Hugh Segal as a means of 

eliminating social services and eradicating 

poverty. “That would satisfy 

my rage, she concluded.

BY SISTER CATHERINE CANNON 

As the Sisters of Providence 

of St. Vincent de Paul 

celebrate their 150th 

Anniversary 1861-2011, Providence 

Associates celebrate their journey 

too, 1985-2011. 

In 1983, Sister Muriel Gallagher 

went to Guatemala. During her 

Visitation there, she suggested the 

formation of a group of Associates 

to pray with and support the Sisters 

in serving the poor. 

Meanwhile back in Canada, in 

Brantford and in Kingston, Sisters 

were dreaming the same dream; 

namely, the desire of many Sisters 

and lay people to come together to 

pray and to support one another in 

spreading the Gospel message of 

love and compassion among themselves, 

in their families and out to 

the world. 

A proposal regarding the establishment 

of Associates was submitted 

and accepted at Chapter 1981. The 

proposal was ratified at Chapter 

1985. It reads “ An Associate 

Program will be established in the 

immediate future to evolve regionally 

in both eastern and western 

Canada and in our southern 

missions.” 

And so the story continued and 

First Commitment Ceremonies were 

held in : 

Guatemala - September 28, 1985 

Ontario - September 26, 1987 

Peru - January 20, 1992 

Moose Jaw - June 26, 1994 

Camrose - September 25, 1999 

At present our numbers include: 

Canada Associates 57, 

Candidates 4, Inquirers 2 

Guatemala Associates 24, 

Candidate 1 

Peru Associates 33 

WHAT DO ASSOCIATES DO ? 

Associates minister in parishes, in 

their families, in prisons, in nursing 

homes and WHEREVER THE 

GOSPEL CALLS THEM. 

To quote Sister Pauline Lally, first 

Director of Providence Associates, 

“ This very important movement 

was neither planned nor imposed 

from on high. It was and still is very 

Providence Associates 

19 

much a Grassroots Movement and it 

will continue to evolve and persist 

provided we don’t get in the way of 

the Spirit” Associates and Sisters 

sing their motto: “ WE ARE 

COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY” 

Associate Carol Groten enjoys quiet 

reflection at the 150th Anniversary 

stained glass window. 

BY SHIRLEY KINDELLAN 

Margaret Frizell was born 

Mary Ellen Margaret, the 

eldest child of James and 

Mary (nee Doyle) Frizell on October 

13, 1914. She was born at home in 

the Wayside Community near Perth, 

Ontario. Her younger siblings were 

Jim and Leslie. 

Margaret was a very devout person 

who subscribed to a number of religious 

publications, prayed the rosary 

frequently and meditated often on 

the Word of God. Phrases and sentences 

especially meaningful to her 

were underlined in her religious literature. 

For many years Margaret was 

a member of the Legion of Mary 

and the Catholic Women’s league. 

Sister Mary Publow invited Margaret 

to consider becoming an 

Associate of the 

Sisters of 

Providence. She 

made her commitment 

as an Associate 

in October 

1989 renewing 

yearly until the 

Fall of 2010. 

Margaret Frizell 

1914 – 2011 

Margaret was so grateful to anyone 

who showed her any small kindness. 

She had a very positive attitude and 

an infectious laugh. She was very interested 

in world events and local 

history, delighting in sharing family 

and community stories. 

In particular, Perth Associates, 

Colleen Evans and Shirley Kindellan 

will miss Margaret and her wonderful 

Christian example.

BY CATE HENDERSON 

On May 6th and 7th, 2011, 

an event of historic 

importance occurred in 

Ottawa, when 23 participants from 

Canada joined together to try to 

make this great country of ours seed 

and food secure again. 

As a representative of the Heirloom 

Seed Sanctuary of the Sisters of 

Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, 

I was one of only two seed sanctuaries 

represented the table; the only 

two that exist in Canada. 

The Sisters’ committed stewardship 

of 300 different varieties of seeds is 

one of the most important models 

Canada has for creating locallyadapted, 

ecologically-grown, educational 

seed saving facilities across 

the country. The participants 

emphasized that seed sanctuaries 

must be farmer-driven, non-profit, 

and publicly-owned. A national 

Canadian Seed-Saving initiative is 

now afoot. 

“This conversation, particularly 

about existing seed work and future 

possibilities, would be a critical first 

step in the building of a pan- 

Canadian applied seed action 

network and/or program,” said 

Kate Green of USC Canada, a nonprofit 

international development 

organization. 

On behalf of the Heirloom Seed 

Sanctuary, I offered thanks to USC 

Canada and colleagues for organizing 

this important event. The Sisters 

look forward to helping ensure a 

food and seed-secure Canada. 

“While locally adapted seeds are 

better suited to ever shifting growing 

conditions — and thus insurance 

for the future — most growers 

of organic vegetables and grains in 

Canada are forced to purchase seed 

from the US, Europe or even farther 

afield. Canada simply lacks the 

supply. And the supply that exists is 

under threat both from industrial 

seed contamination and increasingly 

unpredictable and extreme weather 

Heirloom Seed Sanctuary 

Heirloom Seed Sanctuary participates in Canadian Seed Conversation: Building a Seed And Food Security System in Canada 

patterns. There is, in short, an 

urgent need to build a more sustainable, 

biodiversity-based seed supply 

in Canada, outside the large-scale 

industrial system.” 

— Kate Green, USC Canada 

Author Cate Henderson, far left, shares a meal with other participants. 

It was served in the greenhouse of Ottawa seed grower 

Greta Kryger of Greta’s Organic Gardens. 

FACTS: 

According to Seeds of Diversity Canada: 

75% of food biodiversity has become extinct in the past 100 years 

60% of the remaining…crop plants are inadequately conserved and 

studied. 

12th 

Saturday, August 27th, 2011 at 10 a.m. 


1200 Princess Street 

20

In Memoriam 

BY SISTER BARBARA THIFFAULT 

Theresa Matthews was born 

in Toronto on June 16, 1930 

the eldest of six children 

born to Florence Casey and Charles 

Patrick Matthews. She received her 

early education at St. Vincent’s 

School in Kingston and her Secondary 

School Diploma from Notre 

Dame High School, Kingston. Upon 

graduation in 1948, she attended the 

University of Ottawa where she 

obtained a Diploma as a Registered 

Nurse in 1951, a Nursing Education 

Certificate in 1953 and a Bachelor of 

Nursing Science in 1955. 

Theresa entered the novitiate of the 

Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent 

de Paul on September 8, 1962. After 

making her First Profession in 1965 

at which time she took the name, 

Sister Mary Benedict, she was 

assigned to the School of Nursing at 

St. Mary’s Hospital in Montreal as 

an instructor. In 1967 she went to 

St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital in 

Kingston as a relief Director of 

Nurses. The following year she was 

sent to Providence Hospital, Moose 

Jaw to do in-service education 

where she remained for two years. 

In 1970 she returned to Kingston 

where she was assigned as Infirmary 

Assistant to Sister Mary Alban. 

During that year she took a 

course in the Sociology 

of Health and 

Medicine at Queen’s 

University. In 1971 

she had surgery at 

St. Mary’s Hospital 

in Montreal 

and spent three 

months 

convalescing at 

the Father Dowd 

Home. While there 

she was able to relieve 

the Sisters on duty there 

for their weekly day off. In 

1971 she returned to St. Mary’s of 

the Lake Hospital in Kingston as an 

Employee Health Nurse. In 1974 

she became Director of Employee 

Health Services. In 1980 she took 

the Occupational Health Nursing 

Program completing Module I, Occupational 

Hygiene and Health Surveillance 

as a part-time student at 

St. Lawrence College, Brockville. 

From September to December 1993 

Sister Theresa attended a renewal 

program at Saint Stephen 

Priory Spiritual Life 

Center in Dover, 

Massachusetts. 

From February to 

June 1994 she 

participated in 

Wellsprings: a 

program for 

Christian ministries 

in Glen 

Falls, New York. 

Following her 

sabbatical year, she 

returned to Moose 

Jaw where she ministered 

as a Sister Pastoral 

Associate at Providence Place. In 

2005 she returned to the Motherhouse 

in Kingston where she was 

assigned as sacristan. After a relatively 

short illness, Sister Theresa 

was called home to her loving God 

on Saturday evening, February 19, 

2011. Sister Theresa, being a very 

unassuming and private person, 

dearly loved her family and her 

religious congregation. 

Her family members as well as 

several relatives attended the Vigil 

Service and funeral. Her brother, 

Rev. Carl Matthews S.J. of Toronto 

presided over the Mass of Christian 

Burial held on February 22nd in the 

Motherhouse Chapel. Msgr. Don 

Clement delivered the homily. Other 

members of the clergy were also in 

attendance. 

Sister Theresa Matthews 

June 16, 1930 — February 19, 2011 

21

In Memoriam 


Mary Inez Donovan was 

born in Smiths Falls on 

December 29, 1918 the 

second oldest of 6 children of 

Cornelius Bernard Donovan and 

Bridget Agnes Smith. She grew up 

on the family farm in Toledo and 

received her elementary education in 

a small country school in Kitly 

Township. She learned to work hard 

at an early age doing farm chores 

and milking. Great sadness visited 

her family on July 12, 1931 when her 

mother died during childbirth. Her 

Aunt Maggie stayed with the family 

and helped her father raise the 

children ranging in age from 4 to 14 

years. In 1934 her father sent her to 

Maryvale Abbey boarding school in 

Glen Nevis for her high school 

education. The Sisters of Providence 

of St. Vincent de Paul ran the 

school. Earlier on she had met the 

Sisters when they visited her home 

while collecting for the poor, aged 

and orphans in their care. After 

Grade XI, Inez requested to join 

them. So on August 15, 1936 she 

entered the novitiate in Kingston. 

After making Profession she 

returned to Maryvale Abbey to 

complete her high school and then 

in 1940 she went to Ottawa 

Normal School. Her 

teaching career from 

1941 to 1974 

included several 

years teaching 

children from 

Kindergarten to 

Grade 4 at St. 

Margaret’s School, 

Glen Nevis, St. 

Joseph’s, Kingston, 

St. Mark’s, Prescott, 

St. David’s, Toronto, 

St. Malachy’s, Montreal 

and Holy Family School, 

Kingston. Sister received her B.A. 

from the University of Ottawa in 

1959. In 1958 she moved into 

teaching high school at St. Michael’s 

Academy, Belleville, and then at St. 

Malachy’s Montreal. In 1962 she was 

assigned as principal of St. Joseph’s 

School in Arnprior. In 1965 she 

went to St. Francis School, Smiths 

Falls where she assumed the duties 

of Superior of the convent with her 

teaching. Her last year of teaching 

was at St. John’s College, Brantford. 

She then began the ministry of 

Pastoral Work in the 

Kingston parishes of 

Holy Family, 

Blessed Sacrament, 

St. Joseph’s and 

Good Thief. 

During that 

time she 

served eight 

years on the 

Leadership 

Team. Following 

her time in leadership, 

she enjoyed a 

sabbatical year in the Credo 

Program in Spokane, WA. During 

the next three years she ministered 

in Parish Work in Arnprior. In 1989 

she went to Holy Family Hospital, 

Vancouver to minister in Pastoral 

Care. While in Vancouver, she was 

visited with cancer, but thanks to 

prayer and good doctors she overcame 

this dread disease. In September 

2000 she had three months 

sabbatical at Queenswood, Victoria 

and then returned to the motherhouse 

as Coordinator of one of the 

groups. Following a brief illness, 

Sister Inez was called home peacefully 

to her loving God on March 

11, 2011. Sister will be remembered 

for her common sense, great kindness 

and compassion as well as her 

deep love for her family and her 

religious congregation. 

The Mass of Christian Burial, held 

in the Chapel of Mary, Mother of 

Compassion, Providence Motherhouse 

on March 15 was presided 

over by Rev. Gerald Donovan, 

s.f.m., Sister’s brother, who also 

delivered the homily. Other 

members of the clergy were in 

attendance as were many family 

members, relatives and friends. 

Sister Inez Donovan 

Dec. 29, 1918 – March 11, 2011 

22


Sister Grace Garvey died on 

May 1, 2011 at Providence 

Motherhouse, Kingston, Ontario 

in the 79th year of her religious 

life. Born on July 19, 1916 in 

Mayo, Quebec, she grew up on the 

family farm with her eleven siblings. 

At age 16 she entered the novitiate 

of the Sisters of Providence of St. 

Vincent de Paul in Kingston. Her 

first mission was an assignment to 

cook for the Sisters at St. John’s 

Convent in Perth, Ontario. She also 

studied music and assisted in the 

various duties at the parish church. 

Following this assignment Sister 

Grace went to Trenton and on to 

Chesterville, Newmarket, and back 

to Perth. In 1946 she went to 

Daysland, then Edmonton, and 

Moose Jaw and finally settled in 

Winnipeg in 1947. In Winnipeg she 

was assigned to work at St. Joseph’s 

Orphanage, caring for pre-school 

children. She had achieved her childhood 

dream. She loved working 

with these little ones who were so in 

need of understanding and love. 

After nine years of working in the 

In Memoriam 

orphanage, the Sisters perceived a 

new need was emerging, that of Day 

Care for the children of working 

parents. To prepare for this undertaking 

she spent the summers of 

1956 and 1957 studying at 

the Institute of Child 

Study in Toronto becoming 

qualified as 

Director of the proposed 

Day Care 

Centre. Later she 

took courses in 

Kindergarten programming 

in Winnipeg 

and a course 

at the Institute of 

Child Care at St. 

Louis University in St. 

Louis, Missouri. St. 

Joseph’s Day Nursery served 

the families of Winnipeg from 

1957 until it closed its doors in June 

of 1992. Sister was an acknowledged 

leader in advancing the welfare of 

pre-school children and the Nursery 

often served as a model for other 

centres to emulate. Following her retirement 

as Director of St. Joseph’s 

Day Nursery in 1988, Sister Grace 

23 

took a short sabbatical. In the spring 

of 1989 she went to St. Paul’s University 

to take a Pastoral Health 

Care course. Once back in Winnipeg 

she continued the work in which 

she had been engaged 

while Director of the 

Day Care. She visited 

and 

administered 

Communion at 

Tuxedo Villa, 

Deer Lodge 

Hospital, Extended 

Care 

Facilities and 

visited the elderly 

and the sick 

in three private 

homes. Sister often 

felt privileged to have 

been allowed to follow a path 

that was so right for her. Her life 

was enriched and made meaningful 

through the work she did. Sister 

Grace was a very hospitable person 

who welcomed all with warmth and 

cheerfulness. Sister Grace is predeceased 

by her parents Thomas and 

Rose (Killeen) Garvey, her sister, 

Bernice Corrigan, and her brothers, 

John, Joseph and Angus. She is 

survived by her brothers, Brother 

Matthew Garvey, CSsR, of Toronto, 

and Regis (Dorothy) of Ottawa, and 

her sisters, Carmel Garvey, Mary 

Burke of Waterloo, Clare Hawks of 

Gatineau, QC, Sister Clarice Garvey, 

OLM, of Brazil and Frances Randall 

of Ottawa. She will be fondly 

remembered by her family, her many 

relatives, friends, and by the 

members of her religious congregation. 

The Mass of Christian Burial, 

held in the Chapel of Mary Mother 

of Compassion, Providence 

Motherhouse on May 6, 2011 was 

presided over by Friar Edward 

Debono. O.F.M. Conv. Rev. Terry 

McGrath of Winnipeg delivered the 

homily. 

Sister Grace Garvey 

July 16, 1916 — May 1, 2011


Mission Statement 

A regular publication of the Sisters of Providence of 

St. Vincent de Paul 

Editor & Director of Communications: Christine Ross 

Editorial Assistant: Mike Hammond 

Communications Advisory Committee: 

Sr. Pauline Lally (outgoing liaison) 

Sr. Sandra Shannon (incoming liaison) 

Sr. Barbara Thiffault 

Sr. Gayle Desarmia 

Christine Ross 

Mike Hammond 

Doreen Hoekstra 

Special thanks to Proof Readers: 

Sisters Anne Hudec 

Mary Joan LaFleur 

Gayle Desarmia 

For questions, comments or 

address changes, contact: 

Office of Communications 

Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul 


Box 427, 1200 Princess Street 

Kingston, ON, Canada 

K7L 4W4 

613-544-4525 

E-mail: 

communications@providence.ca 

Web site: 

www.providence.ca 

We, the Sisters of 

Providence of St. 

Vincent de Paul, are an 

apostolic congregation of vowed 

women religious called to be 

channels of God’s Providence in the 

world through compassionate 

service in response to the needs of 

the times. Sharing our individual 

giftedness, we carry out diverse 

ministries in a spirit of humility, 

simplicity and charity in collaboration 

with others to bring about the 

reign of God. 

Our heritage is rooted in the 

creativity and spirituality of Vincent 

de Paul and Louise de Marillac, in the 

willingness of Emilie Gamelin to risk 

and trust in Providence, in the 

responsiveness of the Montreal 

Sisters of Providence to the call of 

Bishop E.J. Horan, as well as in the 

courage and pioneer spirit of Mother 

Mary Edward McKinley and the 

original members of the Kingston 

community. 

Impelled by the compassionate love 

of Jesus and Mary, we seek to 

empower others, especially the poor 

and oppressed, to achieve a quality of 

life in keeping with their human 

dignity. We strive to be prophetic 

leaders in our church and in society 

through the promotion of structures 

and relationships of equality and 

mutuality and through attitudes and 

actions for justice and peace. 

Strengthened by prayer, we are 

bonded in unity and love through 

our corporate mission. Serving with 

compassion, trusting in Providence, 

we walk in hope. 

24 

1861 - 2011

PROVIDENCE

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