Photo courtesy of WXOW News 19
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Mayo Clinic Health Systems celebrated its new hospital building in La Crosse, Wisconsin. During the opening ceremony, Vice President Dr. Richard Helmers acknowledged how the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration established the foundation for health care in La Crosse. Sister Marlene Weisenbeck was also present at the ceremony and gave her blessing for the new building.
In an interview with News 19, Sister Marie Kyle shared how FSPA’s commitment to health care and the city of La Crosse led to the founding of St. Francis Hospital in 1883. At the time, the City of La Crosse approached the sisters with a request to build a hospital, and despite having only $10,000 - just enough to fund the project, they moved forward with the process.
To watch Sister Marie Kyle’s interview, visit WXOW News 19.
To watch a 30-minute clip of the dedication ceremony, visit WXOW News 19. The 30-minute dedication ceremony feature noteworthy moments such as Tom Thibideux's remarks at 21:05, where he shares, "the FSPA spirits carriers whose service and leadership continue to nurture our spirits and commitment to a greater good." Additionally, at 24:30, there is a flashback to April 12, 2022, groundbreaking ceremony, during which the ground was blessed by Sister Eileen McKenzie, who was FSPA president at the time. Finally, at 25:25, Sister Marlene Wesienbeck, a past FSPA president, blessed the new Mayo Clinic facility. As the ribbon was cut, both Sisters Marlene and Sue Ernster, current FSPA president, stood with the group.
For more information about the new hospital in La Crosse, check out coverage from WIZM.