Novices and postulants in the rose garden, Providence Motherhouse, Kingston, 1943. Left to right: Sr. Sara MacDonald; Sr. Mary Ellen Killeen; Sr. Isobel Oatway, Sr. Catherine Ryan, and Sr. Rose Collins.
BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST
Every August and September we admire the roses to the west of the main entrance at Providence Motherhouse, in front of the statue of St. Joseph. There has been a rose bed in that area of the property since 1939. The current statue of St. Joseph was installed nine years later in March 1948 in front of the old ash tree, replacing a smaller statue that previously stood in the same location.
Extracts from the Congregational Annals:
April 25, 1939
His Grace [Archbishop O’Brien] sent out a large number of rose bushes today with Dr. Byrne. Including Heathfield in his order he sent for a double quantity of shrubs. Acknowledgement sent.
April 27, 1939
Mother de Sales and Sister Mary Stephane are planting rose shrubs today on the front lawn. Although the sun is shining, the day is windy and rather cold.
March, 1948
An outdoor statue of St. Joseph was erected on the grounds for the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19th.
Sr. Mary Roberta and companion with the roses, Providence Motherhouse, Kingston, ca. 1967 to 1969.
