On December 13, Providence Motherhouse and Providence Village staff proudly celebrated their First Annual Founder’s Day, a momentous occasion honouring the profound contributions of our founding sponsors, the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul. The celebrations unfolded on the Sisters’ yearly Foundation Day, a special occasion dedicated to commemorating their origins. On this day, the Sisters pay homage to the remarkable contribution of the four Sisters of Providence of Montreal who originally embarked on a journey to Kingston in response to an invitation from the Bishop to care for the sick, the elderly, the orphaned and the imprisoned. These Sisters arrived by train in the early morning hours of December 13, 1861, marking the beginning of their impactful journey.
Since their beginnings in 1861, the Sisters have been dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in Kingston and beyond. This commitment led to the establishment of vital missions across Canada and the world, and created many employment opportunities for the staff at the Motherhouse and PVI.
The Founder’s Day Celebration provided a poignant opportunity for staff to reflect on the Sisters’ incredible contributions to our community. From the earliest days of their service, they laid the foundation for a legacy of care and compassion that resonates in our community today.
Staff also had the unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and enduring legacy of the Sisters by exploring an array of memorabilia showcased at the event. The display, carefully curated from the Sisters’ substantial archives, provided a captivating journey through time. From historical artifacts to poignant photographs, the memorabilia offered a glimpse into the milestones, missions and compassionate endeavours that have defined the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul since their inception in 1861.
A table full of memorabilia was showcased at the First Annual Founders’ Day.
At Providence Village, we stand as custodians of the Sisters’ legacy, committed to honouring their dedication by continuing their mission of caring for each other and the vulnerable in our community.
We are grateful to the Sisters for their unwavering dedication. Their legacy inspires us to strive for excellence, compassion and service as we move forward in our mission at PVI. Here’s to many more years of honouring the past, celebrating the present, and building a compassionate future together.