Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, marked its 150th anniversary with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki on January 14. The hospital's history dates back to 1875 when the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis from Muenster, Germany, responded to an appeal from Bishop Peter Baltes of Alton, Illinois. He sought charitable sisters to provide healthcare services in his diocese amid the Kulturkampf in Prussia.

Sister Maureen O’Connor, OSF, Superior of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, expressed gratitude for the community's blessings during this milestone year. She noted that four hospitals founded in November 1875 would also observe their anniversaries: HSHS St. John’s Hospital (Springfield), HSHS St. Francis Hospital (Litchfield), HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital (Effingham), and HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital (O’Fallon).

The foundation of St. John's Hospital began with five sisters arriving in Springfield on November 11, 1875. They initially stayed at the Ursuline Convent and later moved to Jacob Loose's home on South Seventh Street.

In 1878, plans were made for a new hospital building on Mason Street, dedicated on June 22, 1879. The original structure was replaced by a new facility in 1939, which became one of the largest privately owned institutions of its kind in the U.S.

Over the years, St. John's Hospital has expanded and modernized its facilities with projects completed in various years including 1973 and most recently in 2018. Today it serves as a regional medical center providing advanced healthcare services.

Sister Jomary Trstensky, OSF, chair of Hospital Sisters Ministries, emphasized the historical connection and mission inspired by love at St. John's Hospital during this celebratory year.

Bishop Paprocki highlighted the legacy of those who founded the hospital during his homily at the anniversary Mass: “Today we honor the pioneers who founded St. John’s Hospital 150 years ago,” he said.

Community members shared personal stories about how they have been impacted by St. John's Hospital and its sisters through social media platforms managed by the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

John Earl credited his positive life experiences to the sisters' influence at St. John’s Hospital while Janice Butler recounted her family's long-standing relationship with the institution dating back to her mother's graduation there in 1939.

Marty Megginson expressed gratitude for her husband's care during his battle with polio as a teenager underlining ongoing appreciation for these dedicated caregivers over generations.

Brian C. Blasco contributed to writing this article as Director of Communications and Archivist for Community Life within The Hospitals Sisterhood network.