Monument dedicated to Sisters of St. Martha at Antigonish Memorial Regional Hospital

A monument recognizing the Sisters of St. Martha’s legacy of care and compassion has been dedicated at Antigonish Memorial Regional Hospital.

It was announced earlier this year that the Mission Assurance Agreement between the Sisters, the Department of Health and Wellness and Nova Scotia Health would conclude on Sept. 30. In the months following the announcement, recognition of the Sisters and their contributions became an important part of transition planning at the site. Early on, the idea of a permanent outdoor recognition piece was identified and together with funding support from the hospital’s foundation and auxiliary, the idea of a monument took shape.

“From the time this hospital was founded, the Sisters ensured that care, compassion and helping others were part of our daily life here,” said Sarah O’Brien, site lead, Antigonish Memorial Regional Hospital. “We knew that we wanted a recognition piece that would be a lasting symbol of the Sisters’ commitment and connection to the hospital and one that recognized their legacy of compassion and care.”

The monument was dedicated to the Sisters on behalf of Nova Scotia Health, its staff, physicians, learners and volunteers and the hospital’s foundation and auxiliary.

“This monument honours the Sisters’ remarkable history,” said Amy Carver, executive director of the hospital’s foundation. “They created a culture of care, compassion, dignity and respect that makes this hospital a special place. Their deep commitment to caring for others is truly part of the fabric of the hospital. It’s something that we all feel and that commitment is reflected in the work that’s done here every day.”For Judy MacKenzie, a 40-year volunteer with the hospital’s auxiliary, it’s important to recognize the vital role of the Sisters.

“The Sisters have been leaders in their service to local healthcare and the community,” she said. “When they saw a need, they stepped in to help. They always looked at how we can do better for our people and community; how can we support patients, staff and physicians. As a volunteer, I see that reflected in the work of the auxiliary. We are always looking at how we can help – what does the hospital and its staff need, how can we support the needs of patients now and into the future.”

The monument was designed by Arsenault Monuments & Stone Work of Antigonish and was installed near the hospital’s main entrance in late September. It is 142.24 centimetres high by 152.4 centimetres wide (56 inches high by 60 inches wide). The oval shaped stone contains the following inscription:

“St. Martha’s Legacy - Since 1905, A legacy of Compassion, Service and Community. For more than 120 years, the Sisters of St. Martha, together with generations of healthcare professionals, volunteers, patients, families and community partners, have built a legacy of compassionate care that continues to shape our community. Dedicated to the Sisters of St. Martha and all who have contributed to the healing, hope and well-being of our community.”

Inscribed on the monument’s base are the words “Honouring our Past, Building our Future” and the year.

Events recognizing the relationship with the Sisters, including a staff BBQ, a closing dinner and the monument dedication have taken place in recent weeks, with each one providing an opportunity for reflection.

“We are incredibly proud of the hospital’s legacy and our role in it,” said Sister Brendalee Boisvert, congregation leader of the Sisters of St. Martha. “For years, we actively lived the values of healing, acceptance, kindness and compassion together with the staff and physicians. We know the spirit of those values will go forward with the staff and physicians and the hospital will continue to be a place where people are cared for with compassion, kindness and respect.” 

The development of a permanent indoor reflective space recognizing the Sisters’ legacy is also part of the hospital’s transition planning. A working group will be established to guide the planning and development of this space.