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May 9, 2025By Caitlin Burm
Over 155 years ago, seven Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet left St. Louis, Missouri to travel to Tucson—by way of train to San Francisco, steamer to San Diego and finally by covered wagon—to meet the needs of 3,000 Tucsonans.
The Arizona territory’s Vicariate Apostolic Administrator (and later, first Bishop), Jean Baptiste Salpointe, had requested the support of the sisters in opening a school for the growing population in Tucson, but Sisters Ambrosia Arnichaud, Hyacinth Blanc, Emerentia Bounefoy, Monica Corrigan, Maximus Croisat, Martha Peters and Euphrasia Suchet, did much more than that. Shortly after arriving to an enthusiastic welcome of bells being tolled and fireworks lit, the sisters went to work.Sister Monica Corrigan, in her diary, wrote of the period: “We had scarcely time to brush the dust off our habits before opening school.”
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet soon:- 1873: Established a school at Mission San Xavier del Bac.
- 1876: Founded Sacred Heart School in Yuma.
- 1877: Instituted St. Theresa’s School in Florence.
- 1878: Launched St. Joseph’s Academy and Hospital in Prescott.
- 1880: Opened one of Arizona’s first hospitals, St. Mary’s.
Today, more than 155 years later, the legacy of the sisters lives on, with over 60 ministries established in southern Arizona with their support.
Some of these ministries include:- Catholic Charities
- Casa de los Niños
- Carondelet Health Network (St. Joseph’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital)
- Diocese of Tucson
- Mission San Xavier del Bac
- Newman Center
- Salpointe Catholic High School
- Sister Jose Women’s Center
- St. Augustine Catholic High School
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are honored by the Diocese with plaques detailing their history and statues of each of the sisters in a beautiful greenway.
You can visit the greenway on the St. Augustine Cathedral campus between Our Lady’s Chapel and the Diocesan Pastoral Center.
But—we aren’t the only ones who are honoring the legacy of the sisters in Tucson. Recently, the Carondelet Health Network also honored the sisters and their work with an anniversary celebration and unveiling of a wall art installation at St. Mary’s Hospital on April 30.
The collection of 145 years of history and photography is a steadfast reminder of the compassionate and comprehensive care that started with the sisters and has remained at Carondelet since that time.
St. Mary's Hospital also honored the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with a 145th Anniversary Mass at the St. Mary's Hospital Chapel on May 07.
The hospital chapel recently underwent carpet and seating renovations ahead of the Mass to better accommodate visitors, which were generously provided by the Catholic Foundation. The chapel also contains a beautiful blending of new and old-world architecture, featuring the original bells, doors and wood beams from the historic St. Catherine's Chapel.
The 145th Anniversary Mass was celebrated by Rev. Joe Saba and concelebrated by Rev. Isaac Fynn and Rev. Showri Narra, assisted by Dcn. Cliff Rambaran.
Pastor Ian Burgess, Chaplaincy Manager of St. Mary's Hospital, as well as other medical personnel, including retired staff who had worked alongside the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet for more than 50 years, were also in attendance. Finally, the Anniversary Mass was elevated by the joyful music of cantors, Jose and Janice Hernandez.
The legacy of the seven Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet continues on, shaping Tucson's community through education, healthcare and service. As their unwavering dedication and historic work is honored, it reminds us that their impact remains alive in the countless lives of those they’ve touched and in the future generations that they continue to inspire.