The Sisters of Bon Secours in the United States 1881-1981

Written on the occasion of the Centenary Celebration of Foundation Sisters of Bon Secours in the United States of America

Sister Mary Cecilia O'Sullivan, C.B.S.

Dedicated To The Sick And The Needy To Whom We Are Sent To Serve

"For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me..."Matthew 25: 35-36

Acknowledgment

"How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?... 0 Lord, I am your servant; To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving.... My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all His people." Psalm 116:12-18

I would like to take this occasion of expressing sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to the compilation and completion of this work.

First, I especially thank Sister Justine, my provincial, for entrusting this task to me-indeed an honor-and for her support and guidance along every step of the way, which were not only encouraging but stimulating and inspiring. And for her precious time spent in proofreading and perfecting input for the manuscript. I am greatly indebted to my sisters in all our houses in the United States for their gracious hospitality while collecting material and for their valuable help in providing information; as well as for their sustained interest and prayers.

Grateful acknowledgment is made for the help given and courtesy shown when I visited diocesan archives in the areas where our houses are located.

A very special word of thanks is due to the secretaries in the provincial office for typing the original manuscript, to Astreed Bagdoian, pastoral services office, Bon Secours Hospital, Methuen, for her invaluable help in various ways, to Sister Julia Marie and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Glynn for help with initial proofreading of manuscript.

I express deep appreciation to Susan Branch Smith for her editorial assistance and to Sister Mary Vincentia, Marriottsville, for her generous help in proofreading the galleys. To my family and friends and all others who have prayed for me, and offered words of counsel and encouragement, the writer is likewise grateful.

Finally, how can I sufficiently thank Rev. Gerald G. Wyrwas, Director of Pastoral Services, Bon Secours Hospital, Methuen, and Sister Mary Gemma, assistant, for giving me sufficient time from my work in their department to bring this work to completion, and my sisters in the Methuen community for their understanding, support, and prayers, and above all for putting up with my prolonged absences from community and my apparent lack of thought for them. With everyone's help and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit I persevered to the end. My thanks to one and all.