BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST
The Sisters of Providence celebrated St. Patrick’s Day throughout the years and across Canada as documented in the annals from the various missions.
March 17, 1916 – Congregational Annals, Kingston ON
St. Patrick’s Day. Masses as usual. Singing. High Mass at the Cathedral, Rev. Hyland preaches on the Saint of the day. We have recreation in the refectory. No fast by order of the Pope.
March 17, 1920 – Providence Hospital Annals, Moose Jaw, SK
The community mass at the usual time was celebrated by our Chaplin Reverend Father Granger during which the choir sang the praises of St. Patrick. Before the day was e’re spent, a few Irish reels were danced by the Sisters in the community room.
March 17, 1931 – St. Vincent de Paul Hospital Annals, Brockville, ON
Rev. Fr. Murphy C.Ss.R. celebrated the community Mass this morning. The choir sang some hymns in honour of St. Patrick.
March 17, 1941 – House of Providence Annals, Kingston, ON
St. Patrick’s Day. Singing of family Irish hymns during Community Mass offered by the Chaplain at 6:30. … In the afternoon a number of the Sisters enjoyed the Irish Play at the Grand Theatre, sponsored by the Catholic Action Club, of which Father Mooney is Chaplain.
March 17, 1953 – Sacred Heart Convent Annals, Arnprior, ON
St. Patrick’s Concert also held in the school auditorium under direction of Rev. Fr. Kennedy and sponsored by the C.W.L. – two nights March 17th and 18th.
Sisters celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at St. Francis Convent, Smiths Falls ON in the late 1960s.
Left to Right: Standing: Sister Mary Anita Collins, Sister Rosamond Murphy, Siter Inez Donovan, and Sister Loretto Boland.
Sitting: Sister Mary Josephine O’Neill, Sister Eileen Mitchell, and Sister Virginia Amodeo.
