Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart’s statue at the U.S. Capitol.
On May 1st 1980, the General Superior of the Sisters of Providence, Gilberte Villeneuve, SP, looked into the audience at the Capitol with pride. What a day for her Community! It was an unprecedented tribute to one of their own. In front of the many dignitaries, mostly American and Canadian, her fellow Quebecer and sister in religion Esther Pariseau would receive due honors.
Made from bronze, depicted kneeling in prayer and surrounded by building tools, Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart was now in the Capitol.[1] From the tribune, the Superior took the floor to celebrate Mother Joseph:
«Her belief in Divine Providence led her to undertake arduous journeys, accept immense sacrifices, and accomplish enormous tasks. She knew that God would provide. […] Were Mother Joseph alive today, she would never have asked for this honor. We accept in her behalf to rededicate our lives to the values of compassion, love and faith which she so clearly 
espoused. In honoring Mother Joseph, we honour all people whose dedication and committed service have improved the quality of life for others […].” [2]
The audience stood up and erupted in applause.
By Marie-Claude Béland, Archivist, Archives Providence, General Administration.
[1] Two copies were installed at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, and Vancouver City Hall, in 1980
[2] Acceptance of the Statue of Mother Joseph (Esther Pariseau) presented by the State of Washington. Proceedings in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., May 1, 1980”, United States Government Printing Office, Washington: 1980, p. 33-35. To see the statue on the official website of the Statuary Hall go to: https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art/mother-joseph-statue
* First Picture: Sister Gilberte Villeneuve, General Superior of the Sisters of Providence, speaks at the unveiling of a copy of the statue at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, October 9, 1980. Archives Providence Montreal.
** Second Picture: Before and after the unveiling of the statue of Mother Joseph on the lawn of the Washington State Capitol, Olympia, October 9, 1980. Archives Providence Montreal.