Sister Catherine (born Bridget Ennis) took her vows with the Sisters of Providence, Daughters of Charity, Servants of the Poor, on November 26, 1848. The purpose of their order: Education of the young, and care of the poor and sick. In 1863 she and six other sisters traveled from their convent in Montreal, Quebec, to join Mother Joseph’s Providence mission in Vancouver, Washington Territory. They built and operated schools, orphanages and hospitals throughout the territory.
The Sisters of Providence left a lasting legacy in Walla Walla in the form of St. Mary Hospital (today’s Providence St. Mary Medical Center). But they did other work here, too, such as founding the much-praised St. Vincent Academy. Sister Catherine served as head of the academy from 1869 to 1878.
Sister Catherine of the Sisters of Providence, having a reflective moment in the Pioneer Village at Fort Walla Walla Museum. She’ll share her story as part of the museum’s Living History program, September 15 at 2 PM.
Learn about early Sisters of Providence history, and about Sister Catherine’s work in Washington Territory, at Fort Walla Walla Museum, Sunday, September 15. The presentation starts at 2 PM and is part of the museum’s Living History program. For more information about Living History, go to: https://www.fwwm.org/living-history
