Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart

Let us remember a devout and persevering woman, whose life proves that faith in God Providence not only moves mountains, but can sometimes transform them into buildings at the service of those in need.  

Two hundred years ago, on April 16, 1820, Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart was born in the city of Laval, Quebec, and received the name of Esther Pariseau.  Later, in religious life, she received the name,  Sister Joseph of the Sacred Heart and became known as Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart.  According to Sister Gilberte Villeneuve, SP,  General Superior of the Sisters of Providence congregation from 1978 to 1982, Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart was not only a model of faith but also an inspiration:

Mother Joseph was a woman of courage: [When] she was called to lead a group of sisters from Montreal to the faraway Washington Territory, within a month, this band of women had established the first hospital in the northwest and one of the first schools.

Mother Joseph was a woman of compassion. Her first works in the Northwest were directed to the service of the poor […]

Mother Joseph was an architect and an artist. From the grand design to the tiniest detail, Mother Joseph was a builder. From 1856 to 1900 she was responsible for the design and construction of 29 institutions—hospitals, schools, and orphanages[…]

Mother Joseph was a woman of prayer. Throughout a life of hard work and service, she always took the time to pray. Through prayer came strength.

With these words, let us remember a devout and persevering woman, whose life proves that faith in God Providence not only moves mountains, but can sometimes transform them into buildings at the service of those in need.