East Central Reporter

The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis arrived in Effingham on November 15, 1875, starting their mission to provide health care to the community. This year, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is commemorating its 150th anniversary with multiple activities, including a special Mass on April 30 at 11:30 a.m. in the hospital Chapel. The Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, will celebrate the Mass, joined by local clergy.

Anthony Powers, St. Anthony’s Chief Administrative Officer, said, “The first Hospital Sisters of St. Francis that came to America had a difficult road to get here and challenges to face when they arrived, but they were deeply committed to serving as we are today.” He added, “This Mass honors their service and dedication to establish a health care ministry that’s now reaching across Illinois and Wisconsin. We are so grateful and proud that they entrust their mission in our hands.”

In addition to the Mass, the event will feature the unveiling and blessing of the final panel of a mosaic artwork by Dr. Ruben Boyajian. Dr. Boyajian is an artist, general surgeon with HSHS Medical Group, and Medical Director of St. Anthony’s Women’s Wellness and Cancer Care Services. The artwork consists of three panels located in the hospital’s Heritage hallway overlooking the Healing Garden. The initial two panels were unveiled in 2018 and 2023.

The series of artworks is inspired by the “Canticle of the Sun” by St. Francis of Assisi. The third panel depicts the 1949 fire at St. Anthony’s Hospital, memorializing the victims by including their names and celebrating the recovery and support efforts that led to the modern HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. A video of the unveiling will be shared on St. Anthony’s social media channels after the event.