The Sisters of Saint Francis #throwbackthursdays

By Kelley Luedke • August 20, 2015

Share this:

The Franciscan Sisters, who founded Saint Marys Hospital, have been partners in healing with the Mayo's since 1883. 

Mother Alfred Moes
Founder of the Rochester Franciscans, and she established Saint Marys Hospital in 1889 

"With our faith and hope and energy, it will succeed." - 1883, urging William Worrall Mayo, M.D., to support her plan to build a hospital. 

"The cause of suffering humanity knows no religion and no sex; the charity of the Sisters of Saint Francis is as broad as their religion."

Sister Joseph Dempsey
Superintendent of Saint Marys Hospital from 1892 to 1939

"To my very dear friends: I do not deserve the plaudits given to me tonight but I will take them to distribute them among the Sisters with whom I have worked so many years to make Saint Marys Hospital a house of God and a gateway to heaven for His many suffering children." - 1922, remarks on the opening of the Saint Marys Hospital Surgical Pavilion.

Sister Domitilla DuRocher

Superintendent of Saint Marys Hospital from 1939 to 1949 

"How does a Sisters’ hospital differ from other hospitals? The chief differences are due to the fact that a Sisters’ hospital is their home ... that affects hospital construction, organization and administration."

"There are two ways in which an institution like this can succeed. One is through great leadership — the other is through good organization and administration."

"A cheerful voice and a pleasant manner over the telephone are as important as a smile and a cheery ‘Good Morning’ when meeting patients."

Kelley Luedke

Kelley Luedke is a Marketing Channel Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She is the principle editor and writer of Insights and leads social media and direct marketing strategy. Kelley has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2013. Outside of work, you can find Kelley running, traveling, playing with her kitty, and exploring new foods.