Rocmaura Nursing Home opened December 16th, 1972, but its roots grow much deeper. Here’s a quick history lesson…
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Rocmaura Nursing home can trace its roots back to 1888 when the Diocese of Saint John erected the very first nursing home in the city, the Mater Misercordiae Home which was operated by the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception. The Sisters had opened orphanages and schools and cared for the poor and began to see a growing need among the elderly.
Watch this Video to learn more about SCIC. History of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception On September 15, 1887 work began on a new building on a vacant lot at 97 – 103 Sydney Street. It was the location of the former Christian Brothers’ Home who left before the building burned in the fire of 1877. It was to be a “handsome building,” one of the major construction projects of that decade in St. John. It was to be known as the Mater Misericordiae Home and Hospital, an idea conceived by Bishop Sweeny and the Sisters of Charity. By December 18, 1888 the doors of the Home were opened. Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac It all started in 1633 with Sts. Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac formed the Daughters of Charity to serve the poor, sick and unlearned These ideas and values of Catholic Care would be passed down to create what we know today! Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton In 1809, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton became the educator and foundress of the Sisters of Charity in the United States of America. Honoria Conway Honoria Conway then becomes a part of this story. After leaving Ireland, she lived in Saint John, New Brunswick and Meteghan, Nova Scotia before joining the Sisters of Charity of New York. After a cholera epidemic, she and three companions founded the Sisters of Charity of Saint John in 1854. This was the first English-Speaking religious congregation founded in Canada! Thomas Louis Connolly Thomas Louis Connolly was the second bishop of Saint John, sought Sisters to serve poor Irish immigrants and orphans. He received the vows of the founding women and gave them their first rule on October 21st, 1854. Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception + Rocmaura Nursing Home After devoting their lives to the quality of life of others, and moving from different locations in Saint John, they made their stay permanent in 1972. December 16th was the first day Rocmaura Nursing Home officially opened! 2022 is Rocmaura’s 50th birthday, and we are celebrating all the efforts from our past and present Sisters to create opportunities for our community. |
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