Journey to a Mission
Chronology Leading to the Arrival of the Sisters of Providence in Washington Territory, 1856
The story of the Sisters of Providence coming to the American West has captivated and held deep meaning for the religious community as well as its sponsored ministries. From its French-Canadian homeland to the open, frontier country of North America, this community—one of the first in the Pacific Northwest—was driven by a fervor that was outward-looking yet introspective, spiritual yet concerned with the world.
This online exhibit retraces the events leading to the emergence and arrival of the mission in the West. One hundred fifty years later the relevance of these formative events and long travels are still felt.
The Bishop’s Petition, September 24, 1856
The Decision of the General Council, October 3, 1856
A New Group of Missionary Sisters, October 26, 1856
Entrance of the Postulants, October 28, 1856
The Missioning, October 30, 1856
A Vow of Perfection, November 1, 1856
Departure: Montreal, Arrival: New York City, November 3, 1856
Departure: New York City, November 6, 1856
Arrival: Kingston, Jamaica, November 13, 1856
Arrival: Aspinwall and Panama City, November 18-19, 1856
Arrival: Acapulco, November 23, 1856
Arrival: San Francisco, November 30, 1856
Departure: San Francisco, December 4, 1856
Off the Oregon Coast & into the Columbia River, December 6-7, 1856
Arrival: Vancouver, December 8, 1856
First Mass at St. James Mission, Vancouver, December 9, 1856
First Council Meeting, December 11, 1856
A Room of Their Own, December 16, 1856