May 18, 2010 was a day of celebration, when the Government of Canada commemorated the founding of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, Halifax as an event of national historic significance. This is in recognition of the Congregation’s work in education, health care and social services in particular.
An official ceremony was held to unveil a large bronze plaque, which was then installed in a newly-created Heritage Garden on the grounds of the Sisters of Charity Centre, in Halifax.

As Congregational Leader, Sister Donna Geernaert, said in her welcoming remarks, “the Congregation is being honoured in a way that is very special to us. … We who are members today stand on the shoulders of the brave and spirited women who founded this Congregation, and of the many women of vision and action who have gone before us. … And a gathering like this one today reminds us just how well supported we are in all of our endeavors.”

The story of the Sisters of Charity-Halifax actually began in New York. Halifax Bishop William Walsh approached the Congregation of Sisters of Charity-New York for Sisters to staff his city’s only parochial school. The New York Charities answered the call and in May 1849, four Sisters arrived in Halifax. The Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, Halifax (known as Sisters of Charity–Halifax) became an independent congregation in 1856.

Approximately 250 guests were on hand for the May 18 event. Joining the Congregational Leadership Team and local Sisters were Associates; representatives of federal, provincial and city government; members of the local archival and historical communities; priests who’ve worked with Sisters in various parishes; Sisters from other congregations; staff; and other special friends of the Congregation.

This official ceremony was the culmination of a six-year process, initiated by the Congregational Archivist, Patti Bannister. Patti also gave a series of talks to Sisters and to the public, presenting a brief history of the Congregation as background to the heritage designation.

The text of the plaque reads:
Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul (Halifax)
Coming to Halifax in 1849 as teachers, these sisters were the first English-speaking Catholic congregation to arrive in Canada. They established and ran a broad range of schools, including Mount Saint Vincent Academy in 1873, and, in 1925, Mount Saint Vincent College, the first degree-granting college for women in the Commonwealth. By 1913 they reported directly to Rome rather than to the local bishop. Beginning in the second half of the 19th century, the congregation expanded from its base in Nova Scotia, providing educational, health care, religious, and social services throughout Canada and abroad.

The Heritage Garden includes interpretive panels as well as the plaque. Photos are available on our website at http://www.schalifax.ca/ (link no longer active)