(EFFINGHAM, IL) – National Catholic Sisters Week, a component of Women’s History Month, is celebrated annually from March 8-14 as a dedicated celebration of Catholic Sisters intended to raise awareness of their vital, remarkable contributions, both past and present. Often the devoted lives and ministries of Catholic Sisters remain behind the scenes, going unnoticed, but whose legacies are an inspiration to all they have impacted through their ministry.
To recognize their contributions, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital recently honored local Sisters on March 12 during the hospital’s 10:30 a.m. Mass in their Chapel, followed by a luncheon in the hospital Board Room. The Sisters were given an update on the hospital’s present and future activities by Theresa Rutherford, President and CEO. They were also presented with note cards as a gift to thank them for their continuous ministry.
St. Anthony’s proud history began in November 1875 when three Hospital Sisters of St. Francis arrived in Effingham to care for the poor and sick, invited by Father Weis of St. Anthony’s Parish to come to the area. Now, over 140 years later, St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital continues in the footsteps of these Hospital Sisters and others that followed, through its Mission “To reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality Franciscan health care ministry.”
For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit St. Anthony’s Web site at stanthonyshospital.org. HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is part of the Southern Illinois Division of Hospital Sisters Health System, which also includes HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland.