Ottr Catleolic Heritage in Texas
independent foundation. From its humble beginning in a small, two-story building and a staff of three Sisters, it had grown by 1906 into a Congre- gation of over four hundred and fifty members, working in fourteen dioceses in the United States, operating fifty establishments, including thirty-four schools and academies, twelve hospitals, two orphanages, and two houses for the aged, 31 and since then has grown much more. Santa Rosa Hospital, San Antonio, 1869. Late in January, 1869, the Daily Herald of San Antonio, Texas, announced that in response to the great need for mere adequate care of the sick and indigent, Bishop Dubuis nf Galveston had undertaken to erect a Charity Hospital in the old mission city. The citizens were enthusiastic over the prospect, and urgent appeals were made by the San Antonio Weekly Express to the public to be gen- erous in the name of Christian charity. "In case of . .. dreaded epidemics to which the city has been exposed [a hospital] would be invaluable," the newspaper declared. By July, the Weekly Express was thanking the gen- erosity of public spirited citizens, such as Twohig and Gilbeau, who, as already stated, had contributed generously with numerous others. It proudly published on November 25, 1869, an announcement by Mother· Madeleine that the hospital and infirmary would be opened under the management of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word on the first of December. "We hope to meet the wants of [all] the patients ... and ... we solicit not only assistance of the new authorities entrusted with the care of the poor, but also of the kind offices of physicians of this place." pleaded Mother Madeleine. The facilities, and services, she declared, would be open to all physicians; their patients would be received as long as there was room available. Dr. Herff, the Sisters' physician, would attend charity patients not under the county or city doctor's care. "Lunatics, incurables, and persons afflicted with contagious diseases" could not be admitted for the present for lack of adequate means to care for them. Persons able to pay would be charged reasonably, and one section of the building would he reserved for lady patients. The announcement concluded with an invita- tion to belevolent societies to enter in contract with the hospital for the c-are of their members. The Hospital was to be open to all persons "with- out distinction of nationality or creed."sz S 1 Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Souvenir of the DiamQnd Jubilee [p. 11]. The educational work has been discussed in the previous chapter. The hos- pital and social welfare activities discussed here will be confined to Texas. "Daily Herald, January 26, 1869; Weeldy Express, San Antonio, March 11, July 22, November 25, 1869.
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