Origin of Ladies of Charity of Providence Hospital, Washington, DC
The idea of starting a Ladies of Charity at Providence Hospital, Washington, D.C., came from Sr. Elyse Staab, Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Emmitsburg, Maryland. She asked me to consider forming an association of Ladies of Charity at the hospital. I accepted the challenge with some trepidation.
The first step was to get as much information about the organization of the Ladies of Charity as I could. The Holy Spirit guided me through this phase by making a number of meaningful contacts. Gloria Rose from the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, obtained for me a copy of the Handbook for Presidents of Ladies of Charity Associations. The recently formed group at Sacred Heart Health System, Pensacola, FL, was very helpful with their by-laws and organization. Rev. Robert Finamore of St. Ignatius Parish, Oxen Hill, MD introduced me to Ethel Hands, President of their Ladies of Charity. She in turn referred me to the newer by-laws of Holy Ghost Church Ladies of Charity, Issue, MD Finally I received much help from Marge Bresson, President of the Washington Archdiocese Ladies of Charity and Lucy Saunders, liaison with the National Association.
Volunteer opportunities for personal service were investigated beginning with a clothes closet at the hospital that has been maintained by the Sisters for needy persons when leaving the hospital required help. A clinic that is conducted by the hospital in a poor section of Washington offered possibilities. A facility that provides medical care for the homeless was contacted regarding their needs. Several organizations that prepare food for the poor and handicapped were explored and added to the list.
With this foundation the approval of the CEO of the hospital to form an association was obtained. Then I began inviting women at the hospital to join who I thought might be interested. At our first planning meeting eight persons attended. We eventually had three planning meetings during which we agreed upon a mission statement, considered various projects for service opportunities and by-laws.
More ladies were contacted with referrals received from the Sisters at Providence Hospital and from those who had already expressed interest. Eventually seventeen parishes were represented. A Vincentian priest who is studying at Catholic University and who had worked part time as a chaplain at the hospital agreed to be the Spiritual Director. An application was made for a charter from the Ladies of Charity of the United States of America and International Association of Charities.
January 4, 2006, the feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, was chosen as the inauguration day for our new association. Mass was celebrated in the hospital chapel by Rev. Robert Bonenge, CM, Spiritual Director, a welcome given by Paul Grenaldo, chief operating officer of the hospital, and 28 women inducted, receiving the Ladies of Charity crucifix, manual and pin. The first officers were also installed at this time with Eileen Mulaney as President. Following the Mass the first meeting was held, at which by-laws were adopted, projects discussed followed by spiritual reflection. The program concluded with dinner. The response was enthusiastic. Marge Bresson, president of the Archdiocese of Washington Ladies of Charity attended along with Lucy Saunders, liaison with the Ladies of Charity of the United States of America. We were off to a great start.
The charter from the national association was received and signed by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick on February 17, 2006.
Submitted by:
Sister Cecilia Rose, D.C.
Sister Moderator
This article was taken from Ladies of Charity USA quarterly publication,
The Servicette
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