by Michelle Bombardier on 10-12-2022
Home to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kansas, the Nazareth Convent is the Motherhouse for the Sisters. You’ll most likely hear residents calling it either “The Convent” or The Motherhouse” around Concordia. We’ve all grown up with it here. Quietly nestled in the heart of town, it is one of the largest architectural structures in Concordia, making it a bit hard to miss. Its grounds cover more than a city block and are expertly sculpted and kept. For many in our small town, it’s held a mystique and awe that are hard to explain or fully comprehend until you’ve experienced it, and even then, leaves you with a greater since of respect and inspiration.
Without knowing a bit of the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph, one might not fully appreciate that while physically located at the heart of town, it could be said that throughout their history and the history of Concordia, they have been a major factor that spearheaded the economy, especially in regard to health care and long-term care, provided education, and exemplifies hospitality, service to others, and the community spirit that is the heart of the town.
The Sisters of St. Joseph were founded by Father Jean Pierre Medaille, S.J., in 1650. He called six sisters to form the religious community in LaPuy, France. From the beginning they served a mission of helping others wherever there was a need, ministering to the poor, the homeless, the orphans, the sick, and the dying. At the time, most religious Sisters remained mostly secluded in their communities. The Sisters of St. Joseph, however, were called to a more public service and have kept that calling ever since.
France’s Revolution in the late 1700’s brought devastation to the sisters. They disbanded during the war but reorganized after the revolution. In 1836, they made their way to St. Louis, Missouri and soon found their way to Newton, Ks. They began branching out all over the United States and as towns sprang up, they followed. They staffed and established schools, hospitals, orphanages, homes for the elderly, and whatever was needed. In 1884 they were sent to build a Motherhouse in Concordia.
Quickly outgrowing the original building, construction of a larger structure that would be used as a convent and academy was necessary. In 1902, the cornerstone of the 5 story, massive brick structure was laid. It was completed and the Sisters moved in just 13 months later. For many years the Motherhouse operated as a Convent and Academy for girls spanning all ages, with various Christian backgrounds and denominations, from cities far and wide. They lived in residence and attended school. Some were discerning a vocation to religious life, but others were not.
In 1903, St. Joseph’s Hospital was established in Concordia. The original hospital was located in the three-story brick building on East Fifth Street, which was the original Motherhouse, now the Manna House of Prayer. The hospital stayed there for nearly forty-five years, but an inadequacy of space forced them to start construction of a new building. Some land west of town was purchased, and construction of the new facility began in late 1949. Ownership was transferred to Salina Regional Hospital in 1995.
The first half of the 20th century saw major growth for the Sisters of St. Joseph. The Sisters had become a major presence in the Concordia community. By the 1950’s the Sisters of St. Joseph owned 4 properties in Concordia, the Motherhouse, St. Joseph’s hospital, St. Anne’s Home for the Aged, which had been the former hospital and later would become Mt. Joseph, and The Home of the Little Flower, which opened in the 1920’s as the diocesan home for the aged. Additionally, the Sisters staffed the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School and Concordia Catholic High School. Today, they operate Neighbor to Neighbor, a ministry striving to meet the needs of all women, and Manna House of Prayer, which serves as a spiritual direction center, mission, retreat, and a place of help. Although no longer operating health care services or staffing schools in Concordia, they continue to be a large presence in the community with their volunteer work and their continuing mission of providing help to all who are in need.
Around the world and here in our small community, you’ll still find the Sisters of St. Joseph providing help where they are most needed. They have many missions and ministries all over the world. The Motherhouse, here in Concordia, is home to around 30 retired Sisters. It has been the spiritual home for all of the Sisters of St. Joseph who all try to “come home” at least twice a year for “assemblies.” They are very active in missions of mercy, social justice, and human rights. You’ll find them fighting for those on the fringes of society whether in large cities, small communities, or on the steps of the Capitol in Washington DC. They are tirelessly working for change in the world, and as I’ve heard many times recited, “wherever cries for love, help and mercy may beckon.” Their unique mission puts them in many places as teachers and nurses and advocates, but truly in the middle of communities wherever they’re needed. They have the kindest, most gracious, loving, generous hearts. They have so many men and women who work alongside them in their ministries. It’s a true joy to be in their presence and to see them doing the good work that’s needed in our world today.
As I write this today, the Sisters are actively welcoming Sisters from around the world home and preparing to host Assembly. It’s a very exciting and busy time of year. They will soon be hosting a fall Motherhouse Family Fun Day. The children of the community especially enjoy the fall events the Sisters put on. In early Spring, they host an annual Spaghetti Dinner. Just before Summer officially arrives, they host an annual plant sale and garage sale which has become a favorite for gardeners and treasure hunters. The Motherhouse is open for guided tours by appointment. Tours include museum rooms that tell the history and stories of the Sisters, as well as artifacts from their years of service. There are many masterful works of art, expertly created by Sisters, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as bobbin lace, which they are famous for. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the beautiful stained-glass windows in the chapel, which was built in 1907. You can view the immaculate Rose Window from the outside. The Lourdes Grotto, located on the grounds, is stunning and a place that inspires reflection, contemplation, and connection to the beauty of creation. There is no admission fee, but a donation is suggested. Make sure you visit the Gift Shop featuring hand-made items by the Sisters of St. Joseph before you leave. Their blankets and stuffed toys are favorites for baby gifts. Be sure to stop into Neighbor to Neighbor downtown and see what they have going on. They often have classes for young mothers or story time and playgroups for the tiny tots. The Manna House of Prayer has opportunities year-round to take classes and studies to deepen your faith.
The Sisters have played such an incredible role in the development of what we know as Concordia today. Their rich history intertwines with the town so deeply and has formed not only our health care, education, and economy but our culture. We are proud the Sisters of St. Joseph call Concordia home and appreciate the great works they do in all of their ministries around the world that impact so many people’s lives for the better.
