St Joseph Mercy Hospital held a ceremony to mark 75 years of its existence and to mark 125 years’ presence of Sisters of Mercy in Guyana. This ceremony was amidst strict CoViD 19 protocols with a small gathering of persons. However, the ceremony was live broadcast on the Hospital Facebook page.
The ceremony included two parts, firstly, Holy Mass celebrated by His Lordship Bishop Francis, Bishop of Georgetown, and concelebrated by Monsignor Terrence Montrose of the Diocese of Georgetown. During the Mass, Bishop acknowledged the dedication and service of many in the last 75 years. Mr. Gaskin, the CEO of the hospital welcomed everyone before the Mass. Mr. Terry Mohamad, the Associate Administrator, briefed on the history of the Mercy Hospital.
The second part of the ceremony included the dedication of the Serenity garden which contains a monument to mark the 125 years of sisters’ mercy presence in Guyana. This commemorative monument was designed by Mr. Bernard Ramsay. The main feature of the monument is a double heart with a burning flame at its apex. The outer heart is symbolic of the selfless service given by the Sisters of Mercy to SJMH from its inception. The inner heart represents the deeper spiritual and unconditional love and dedication with which they served the hospital and the Guyanese community in general. The burning flame is a symbol of eternal commitment that continues to inspire the dedicated service of the SJMH. The mounted on a solid case, granite-clad base with its four sides pointed together, pointing in an upward direction in honor of the Sisters of Mercy along with those who we must never forget for their fine service, strength, wisdom, and vision which they have given to this iconic institution over many years. The location of the monument is deliberately placed at the eastern end of the Serenity garden to mark the position of the rising sun which gives hope and enlightenment for each new day.
Sr. Julie Matthews, head of the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana, expressed her satisfaction with the Hospital Board, Management, and the Staff. She remarked that the hospital has been hoping for the many in Guyana.
The Serenity Garden has been sponsored by a number of good-will persons. Francesca Pires of Caribbean Chemicals Ltd, Republic Bank, KD Enterprises, Farfan and Medes, Camile Chee Awai, Orlando, and Oshana Rogers.
In her remarks, Mrs. Deborah Ramsay, Deputy CEO, thanked all persons who have contributed towards the Garden and the ceremony. She thanked Bishop Francis, Fr Montrose, Mr. Gaskin, Mr. Terry, Mr. Jerri Dias, Ms. Devika Persaud, IT Team, Catholic Media, and all persons present at the ceremony.
