100 Years and Fabulous! Sister Mary Caritas: Leader and Inspiration
100 Years & Fabulous!
EVERYONE SEEMS TO KNOW it is Sister Mary Caritas Geary, SP’s 100th birthday!
It is not surprising, since there have been multiple events, dinners, TV and print interviews and newspaper articles, all trying to tell her amazing story of being a “leader and inspiration” to many for so long in Western Massachusetts and beyond.
The Sisters of Providence hosted an event on August 16 for more than 120 Sisters, residents, and colleagues at Providence Place who joined in singing happy birthday and eating cake in honor of Sister Caritas’ 100 years.
President Sister Kathleen Popko presented a pictorial review of Sister Mary Caritas’ life in its multi-faceted dimensions and then all watched a brief video of her interview with Sharon Roulier, host of the Diocesan television program called “Real to Reel.”
Sister Caritas was invited to come forward to be dressed with a sash saying “100 and Fabulous!” – with a matching tiara – before she offered her spontaneous remarks that concluded with a bow.
An Extraordinary Career
Sister Caritas’ extraordinary career includes serving as CEO of Mercy Medical Center for 16 years; as President of the Congregation for 8 years during the post-Vatican II changes; past chair of the Board of the Catholic Health Association, the Massachusetts Hospital Association; and multiple boards at the regional, state and national levels that have led to numerous awards and honorary degrees, including The Catholic Health Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Her remarkable civic involvement over the past 30 years since her “retirement” continues with her latest involvement with nuclear disarmament.
Recently, Sister Caritas was interviewed by George O’Brien, editor of Business West, that resulted in a five-page article with photos in the widely circulated business journal.
Another major event was held on September 14 hosted by Mercy Medical Center where Sister Mary Caritas was honored with the establishment of an endowment for the education of nurses at Mercy Medical Center, where she was born, graduated from nursing school, and served as CEO.
As Sister Caritas celebrates her 100th birthday, we recognize that the pattern of her life of the past 100 years has been a spiritual journey where one can see that God’s providence has guided her step by step though each part of her inspiring life of caring service.
Congratulations and blessings to our centenarian!