St. Mary Hospital Celebrates 100 Years

The Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, blessed the nurses, doctors and staff of Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center in honor of its 100th anniversary.

St. Mary Medical Center opened its doors in August of 1923 as a small 70-bed community hospital. Ten decades later, we carry on the traditions and heritage of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word who established this hospital where there was a need and has since become a cornerstone in the Greater Long Beach community.

While St. Mary Medical Center’s dedication anniversary date is August 26, St. Mary chose to hold mass today in honor of Sister Dennis with the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph from India. August 23 serves as a memorial day for Sister Dennis, who passed away after serving our hospital as a pediatric nurse for 39 years.

“St. Mary Medical Center has a history of serving the poor, disenfranchised, and the most vulnerable individuals in our community, and was proud to receive this mission from Archbishop Cantwell in 1923. Now, 100 years later, we are dedicating ourselves once again to this mission in front of the presence of His Excellency, Archbishop Gomez, and all our guests,” shared Carolyn Caldwell, president and chief executive officer at St. Mary Medical Center. “I would like to thank our St. Mary team, board members, trustees and friends for making this milestone possible.”

“On behalf of the leadership of our congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, TX, I bring greetings and appreciation to everyone in attendance today,” said Sister Celeste Trahan. “Through many trials, hardships, joys and celebrations, the sisters have continued to lay the foundation for what continues today. We appreciate you all for carrying the torch of our mission forward into the next century!”

Submitted by SMMC