The Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph leave Tracadie: A lasting legacy for French-language health care in the province
Vitalité Health Network wishes to mark the departure of the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph in Tracadie, and expresses its gratitude for their outstanding dedication as pioneers of French-language health care in New Brunswick.
The Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph arrived in Tracadie on September 29, 1868, and significantly contributed to the advancement of the French-language health care system in the province. For over a century, with limited resources, they cared for hundreds of patients and played a crucial role in helping the community eradicate leprosy, which had emerged in the early 19th century.
In fact, they were the driving force behind the construction of the first French-language hospital in the Maritimes, in Tracadie. Recognizing the great need for French-speaking health care workers, they initiated the training of French-speaking nurses and licensed practical nurses in hospital care. This significant advancement at the time left a lasting legacy for future generations and continues to produce positive results today.
A farewell celebration was held on Sunday, May 11. Vitalité Health Network President and CEO Dr. France Desrosiers attended a banquet organized by the community. She delivered a speech of gratitude, emphasizing the monumental contributions of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph to the health care system. They received the Horace Viau Award from Club Richelieu for their significant contribution to the community.
"The Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph have paved the way, and for that, I extend my deep gratitude. Now it's our responsibility to continue their legacy, always remembering our history and expressing our gratitude for their immense contributions to our Francophone and Acadian communities," stated Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network.
The Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph took the opportunity to announce that the Accueil Sainte-Famille, a shelter for women and children who are victims of violence, will be donated to the community to allow it to continue its mission.
This September, the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph will be leaving the Tracadie region after 157 years of service to the community. Their time here will leave an indelible mark on the hearts of the community and the history of health care in New Brunswick.
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Dr. France Desrosiers highlighted the invaluable contribution of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph since 1868, from providing care to patients with leprosy to establishing the first French-language hospital in the Maritimes.
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Sisters Zélica Daigle and Yvonne Thibodeau received the Horace Viau Award from the Richelieu Club.
