From Paris to Marriottsvile
The Congregation of the Sisters of Bon Secours, an international Catholic order founded in Paris 185 years ago, is moving its world headquarters to Maryland, congregation officials said Friday.
“This is an exciting time in the history of our congregation as we strive to work as one international community, carrying our message of ‘Good Help to Those in Need’ around the world,” Sister Patricia A. Eck, elected to lead the congregation, said in a statement. “I … will build on the rich tradition of those very strong women who have come before me while helping the Congregation evolve to meet today’s needs.”
The sisters are scheduled to move their world headquarters from Paris to Marriottsville, currently home to the Sisters of Bon Secours, U.S.A., Bon Secours Health System Inc. and Bon Secours Spiritual Center, on Dec. 1. At the same time, they plan to consolidate their provinces in the United States, France, Britain, Ireland and Peru into a single international congregation, under Eck’s leadership.
“Her vision and commitment to be a prophetic voice throughout the organization, combined with her strong governance and sponsorship capabilities, are models for all of Catholic health care today,” Sister Alice M. Talone, president of the Sisters of Bon Secours, U.S.A., said in a statement. “To Sr. Pat, ‘the struggle for a more humane world is not an option; but, an integral part of spreading the gospel.”
A nurse and health administrator, Eck has chaired the board of Bon Secours Health System Inc. since 1997. She has served as chairwoman of the Catholic Health Association and of the Corporate Members of Mercy Housing.
The congregation elected Sister Rose Marie Jasinski, senior vice president of sponsorship for Bon Secours Health System, to serve as country leader for the United States. Also a nurse, Jasinski has served as vice president of the U.S. province, candidacy program director, formation director and director of the associate ministry program.
"She has demonstrated through the years her compassion, caring and leadership to sisters and all others," Sister Alice Talone, current president of the Sisters of Bon Secours, U.S.A., said in a statement.
