Walking into Providence Place at Holyoke, MA, felt very familiar. I was welcomed with Providence hospitality by Sister Mary Caritas, who is a living legend at 94. Her life of leadership includes being administrator of hospitals, provincial and chair of the board of Catholic Health Association (CHA). And in the last ten years she built Mary’s Meadow, a skilled-nursing facility for her sisters and others in need. To this day she walks with the speed of a 20 year old and has the wisdom we all wish for.

The visit with the sisters at Holyoke was suggested by Robert Hellrigel, chief executive of Providence Senior and Community Services. He had worked for them for many years and loved their mission. As a close friend of Caritas, as she likes to be called, he put me, mission integration officer, in contact with her.

It was a very special encounter to stay with the sisters and have them share their stories. When I drove up to 5 Gamelin Drive, Providence Place, I knew I was home.

Pictured Sister Susanne Hartung (left), of Mother Joseph Province, embraces Sister Mary Caritas of Holyoke, MA.