On October 7, 1851, four Sisters established the first Canadian foundation in Toronto. Mother Delphine Fontbonne and Sisters Bernard Dinan, Alphonsus Margerum and Martha von Bunning arrived from Philadelphia, which was at the time a mission of the Carondelet Congregation in St. Louis. They had come at the request of the Toronto Bishop, Armand Francois Marie de Charbonnel, to care for orphans, to teach in schools, and to nurture community with their neighbour. Their teaching apostolate expanded over the years: elementary, secondary & university, the arts, and adult education in many forms including faith development. They also started three schools of nursing. Beginning in 1857, the congregation set up health care institutions across Canada. In Toronto, they established St. Michael’s Hospital (1892), St. Joseph’s Hospital (1921), Our Lady of Mercy (1925) and Providence Hospital (1962). House of Providence opened in 1857 as a house of charity and is known today as Providence Healthcare. Through the years, the congregation established missions near and far, first in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Alberta and then in 1968, the congregation opened a mission in Guatemala. Sisters have also served in Nicaragua, Honduras and Haiti. The Sisters’ anniversary theme, Celebrating our Oneness with God, Creation and Neighbour, highlights ministries past and present. In prayer, presence and solidarity, and with partners, the Sisters advocate and take action to address social injustices, raise awareness for better environmental protection and safe drinking water, and advocate for a more equitable world.
For more information: Sisters of St. Joseph - Home (csj-to.ca)
