By Carol Lang - St. Rose of Lima Church

Photography: COURTESY

Carol Lang and Bonnie Bowne Peters
Special to the Florida Catholic

MIAMI | The October 4 celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi calls to mind St. Francis Hospital (1927-1992) and many cherished memories. These memories symbolize the true compassion and caring of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegheny. They set the example that inspired us all to attain a level of excellence.

Indeed, the mere mention of its name evokes recognition of a hospital that was as near to perfection as possible. It was a sacred place. At one time there were four hospitals located on Miami Beach in addition to numerous other hospitals throughout the county, each with their distinct culture. The identity of St. Francis Hospital remains strong even today.

We all felt it a privilege to work there and be embraced as part of a big loving family. The sisters were ever present with their shared commitment to serving the community. The staff took pride in their work and the physicians were confident that their patients would consistently receive the best care.

Another unique attribute of St. Francis Hospital was the Pastoral Care Department, comprised of Franciscan priests and sisters. The clergy in this department made pastoral care rounds, visited all patients and ministered to their individual emotional and spiritual needs. Attending emergency situations (codes) to alleviate fears of the patient and family was routine. They were valued members of the code team.

For many of us the chapel at St. Francis Hospital was our home parish where Mass was celebrated daily, including holy days of obligation and all feast days. As our home parish, some were married there.

The hospital's Catholic Nurses Association was active in funding hospital improvements, including providing rocking chairs for the newborn nursery. Another project revolved around the adoption of the children of Corpus Christi Parish in Miami. The nurses performed health screenings, provided school supplies, and celebrated various holidays with the children. This is one example of the many ways in which we served, representing our Catholic heritage.

As we entered the 1980s and experienced the rising costs in healthcare and declining reimbursement patterns, hospitals throughout the country began to close. Sadly, St. Francis Hospital was to be among them.

On Jan. 6, 1992, prior to the demolition of the hospital, the cross was removed from the roof and transported via helicopter across Biscayne Bay to Mercy Hospital, where it remains today. An interesting fact about that cross is that it was lighted and used by the Coast Guard as a landmark. That beloved cross had been part of the hospital since 1927 and hung there as a sign of our faith and mission.

On Jan. 14, 1992, a prayer service and closing ceremony were held for the employees with Archbishop Edward McCarthy presiding. Those employees with longer tenure received crucifixes that formerly hung in patients' rooms.

During this part of the ceremony we sang, “Here I am Lord.” This was followed by a candle-lighting service and scripture readings. To conclude, we all joined hands and sang the “Prayer of St. Francis.” This was a time of profound grief and sadness when many tears were shed.

As a family, however, this was not the end of St. Francis Hospital. Two reunions have been held, in 2001 and 2003. At each reunion hundreds attended to reunite with friends that included fellow employees and physicians. As a special remembrance of our fondness for St. Francis Hospital, mementoes such as engraved desk sets and paperweights were made available. These objects were made from the ruins collected after demolition and are now cherished possessions.

In the spirit of further keeping the hospital alive, we are writing a memoir of our many experiences at St. Francis Hospital and Miami Beach in its heyday. These experiences are unique and beg to be shared — the humor and the sorrow that accompany day-to-day responsibilities of a health care professional.

Although St. Francis Hospital closed 20 years ago, it is not forgotten. Frankly, it is unheard of for a workplace to hold a bond so dear as to achieve the status of a covenant.

COLLECTING MEMORIES

Carol Lang is a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima in Miami Shores and Bonnie Bowne Peters attends Blessed Trinity in Miami Springs. Both spent a good part of their careers as nurses at St. Francis Hospital. They are requesting old photos — from the 1960s to the latest hospital reunion — to be considered for their proposed book. Materials should be emailed to Lang at [email protected].