On the Jan. 23 feast of St. Marianne Cope, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities and St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center (SJHHC) in Syracuse, N.Y. broke virtual ground for the new Shrine and Museum of St. Marianne Cope that will be on the hospital’s campus.
Despite the bitter temperature outside, more than 60 dignitaries and special guests gathered at St. Joseph’s DeFuria Room as Sister Roberta Smith, general minister of the Sisters of St. Francis and Kathryn Ruscitto, SJHHC chief executive officer and president joined forces swinging project hammers to formally kick off the project. “On this day, St. Marianne’s feastday, we celebrate the anniversary of her birth which started her path to sainthood. What a fitting date to officially embark on this venture through which St. Marianne’s legacy will come to life for many years to come,” said Sister Roberta. “We at St. Joseph’s strive to live every day as St. Marianne did — with deepest reverence for our patients and their families. This really is a special day,” added Kathryn.
Following brief remarks from Sister Geraldine Ching and thanks to the principals helping bring the project to life, Kristin Barrett-Anderson, operations supervisor and Sally Johnson from Hadley Exhibits shared a “virtual tour” of what is planned for the new space and what visitors will experience.
The new shrine and museum will be located in the former radiology building on the corner of Townsend and Union Streets in Syracuse. This new home will provide 5,000 square feet of space for interpretive exhibits, contemplation, archives, gift shop, and offices. Grand opening is targeted by mid-summer 2014.
Pictured from left, Sister Roberta Smith, general minister of the Sisters of St. Francis and Kathryn Ruscitto, president and chief executive officer of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center “break ground” on the new Shrine and Museum of Saint Marianne Cope which will be located in a former radiotherapy building on the hospital’s campus.
