Joyful Founders’ Day Brings Employees and Friends Together Again

The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” was one of the songs performed at the May 25 Founders’ Day service at the Saint Raphael Campus. It was a fitting choice.

Themed “Moving Forward with Joy,” the interfaith service in the SRC chapel brought staff, volunteers and special guests together in-person for the first time since 2019.

Founders’ Day honors the legacy of caring of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, who founded the former Hospital of Saint Raphael in 1907, sponsored it until its integration with YNHH in 2012, and remain interested in its success. This year’s event also celebrated the hospital’s future. Sister Maureen Shaughnessy, Sisters of Charity general superior, announced a five-year pledge to support the Neurosciences and Bed Tower project currently under way at the SRC.

“Founders’ Day gives us the opportunity to remember the Sisters’ legacy at Saint Raphael’s,” she said. “We also rejoice about what is happening presently here, and what is planned for the future.”

YNHHS CEO and President Christopher O’Connor noted that while some buildings at the SRC have been demolished to make way for the Neurosciences Center and Bed Tower, “with change comes the opportunity for a new and exciting program expansion that will set us apart from any provider in the region.”

During the service, employees from many different roles and departments joined hospital and health system leaders, including YNHH President Keith Churchwell, MD, to read quotes, reflections and prayers about joy and renewal.