The Sister Clarette Healing Garden on the southeast corner of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia was dedicated during ceremonies Tuesday afternoon.
The Chair of the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation Kim McMillan thanked all the donors who made the garden possible and to honor Sister Clarette. McMillan thanked Sister Clarette for everything she has done to make the hospital better, especially for the patients.
“St Mary’s vision is this…peace, hope, and health for every person, family, and community especially those most in need. Your leadership has made this a reality. So thank you Sister from all of us. For God’s work and sharing your love of the Lord with us.”
McMillan also asked for continued support of the foundation to pave the way for health.
The President of SSM Health St. Mary’s and Good Samaritan Hospital Damon Harbison thanked everyone who made the vision a reality. He noted the healing garden was several years in the making and he is proud of how the Madonna that was on the front of the hospital for many years was repurposed as an architectural piece for the center of the garden with the help of Kaskaskia College and Centralia High School students.
“Our goal in planning this garden was to identify a beautiful and peaceful living place that would become a place not only for remembrance for all those but also a place for reflection and renewal. A place where memories can be kept alive and a place where people can come to be at peace.”
Harbison noted every element of the garden was carefully chosen to reflect Sister Clarette’s character and the values she embodies. He thanked Scott McCoullough of Pro Lawn Landscaping and his skilled staff for guidance and expertise in helping the garden come to life.
Harbison asked as the garden is dedicated, for those in attendance to take just a moment to remember the impact Sister Clarette has had on our lives and the lives of countless others.
After a Blessing from Reverend Monsignor David Darin, Sister Clarette shared her thoughts about the Felician Sisters mission and gave credit to the entire hospital staff for the accomplishments.
“Our giving of the gratitude we received to the people around us to our opportunities to be able to share is what we are all about. In this world today it is so important we do our part to make it a better place. That is our challenge. To work on right relationships and be grateful for all the opportunities we have to come together.”
Among the highlights of Sister Clarette’s tenure as St. Mary’s Hospital President from 1983 to 1995 was the beginning of a mammography program, bringing the first ever state-of-the-art linear accelerator, and breaking ground on a new behavioral health unit. She also negotiated the Joint Venture agreement between the Felician Services and SSM Health in 1996 merging Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital into the SSM Health family. She continued to serve on the Board of Directors until last December.
