The Impossible Dream

"I want us to build a veritable mansion... a palace for the poor... and I want your Sisters to administrate it." It was with these outrageous words that Bishop Armand de Charbonnel addressed Mother Delphine Fontbonne, superior of the newly established Sisters of St. Joseph. The time and place: Toronto in 1855.

"But where would we get the money for such an undertaking, Bishop?" asked Mother Delphine.

"Money? The money will come from everywhere ... businessmen, workers, from rich and poor, the needy and the comfortable... It will come from persons of all faiths and all classes." And so it was.

The House of Providence

There it stood on Power Street, one year later, in all its grandeur, planned by no less than the great William Hay, built by bricklayers and artists, practitioners and dreamers, of all means and abilities. This refuge the Sisters of St. Joseph would help people for a hundred years.

Off the streets of Toronto, hungry children who had lost their parents would be valued and loved, fed, clothed and educated; homeless immigrants strangers in a land as bleak as the one they escaped, were welcomed and given help and hope. Many of these made their home in the House, their helping hands giving them back the dignity they needed more than food; this House received old, tired men and women who had no one else to turn to. Those of all ages who were sick with fevers and famine and diseases of all types were given respectful care. In the "Impossible Dream" the Sisters made very sure that no needy person was turned away and all were welcome.

The Sisters begged for furnishings, which they and their helpers put to good use creating drapes and curtains, bedding and cushions. But good fresh foods were the most pressing necessities for the large population, 400 hungry persons. The House held stoves with huge ovens, exuding wonderful aromas of freshly baked breads. Eggs and vegetables and meats were daily carted to the doors or dropped off by some farmers' horse and buggy but there was seldom enough and the Sisters made sure that the children and the ill got the lion's share. They begged from store to store and even town to town but everyone lived from hand to mouth. Donations poured in and no crumb went unwatched.

Yet there was laughter and friendships and loving service. Even the city newspapers carried descriptions of the shining clean floors and mats and doors. They reported the peaceful order that appeared to reign in halls, classrooms and play areas.

"It was a very happy place"

I asked one of our very old Sisters, who had lived at the House of Providence in the 30's, "How would you describe the spirit of the House of Providence?"

"It was a very happy place" she replied. "It was a place where everyone was treated with the same respect. I remember that the Sisters were always chatting about this and that as they walked around the halls and gardens. There seemed to be a lot of laughter. The Sisters worked very hard but they loved their work. Everyone felt at home. Yes, I'd say it was a happy, peaceful place."

Through the century, long after the House of Providence was flourishing, the Sisters founded schools and hospitals and a variety of institutions. They spread throughout Canada and elsewhere but the House of Providence and its people were considered closest to the spirit and soul of the community.

Today, Providence Healthcare on St. Clair Avenue East provides innovative care under the sponsorship of the Catholic Health Corporation of Ontario.

Catherine McCarthy CSJ