Carondelet Legacy Stories
Celebrating 145 Years
Carondelet has a long and rich history that spans decades. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the congregation was originally established in France. The Sisters came to the United States in 1836 to serve the diocese in Carondelet, Missouri.
In 1870, seven Sisters of St. Joseph traveled from San Diego to Tucson to open a school. In 1880, the Sisters opened St. Mary’s Hospital, Arizona’s first hospital. In 1961, they opened St. Joseph’s Hospital to provide services for Tucson’s growing east side. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet began managing Holy Cross in 1981 and assumed ownership in 1987.
The First Hospital in Arizona
The rich history of the Sisters of St. Joseph and their enduring mission to serve those in need is a remarkable journey of faith, dedication, and compassion. We delve into the Sisters' origins, tracing their beginnings in 17th-century France and their global expansion. Around 1650, the Sisters expanded their mission to assist travelers, widows, orphans, and the sick, which then carried over into the United States and abroad. After their famous 36-day trek from St. Louis, Missouri, to Tucson in 1870, the Sisters established St. Mary's Hospital ten years later.
The hospital was founded to serve the growing needs of the local population, providing medical care and support to the community. The building of St. Mary's, the first hospital in Arizona, marked a significant expansion of the Sisters' mission, emphasizing their commitment to healthcare and community service. Today, as Carondelet Health Network, we are fortunate to carry out their mission and values, continuing their legacy of compassionate care and service to the community!