There may today be fewer than two hundred Sisters of the Misericorde, but their dedication and influence are as strong as ever. Also known as Sisters of Mercy, the Congregation of the Sisters of Misericorde was established in Montreal in 1848 by Marie Rosalie Cad ron-Jette.

Her first project had been the establishment of the Misericordia Hospital of Montreal in 1848 - but that was just the beginning. The influence of her community soon spread across the country, with sisters serving as caregivers in Ottawa, Scarborough, Winnipeg and in Edmonton by the turn of the century.

The Caritas Health Group continues to draw upon on the long tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, who founded Edmonton's Misericorida Hospital in 1900. Although the sisters left active health care ministry at the Misericordia hospital to lay people in the 1970's, their values and traditions live on at each of the Caritas sites.

Each year, the sisters continue to challenge and to inspire those who carry on the work of Christ in the facilities they have founded at meetings held at their Motherhouse in Montreal. This October, Caritas Board Chair Muriel Dunnigan, VP Sheli Murphy and HR manager Karen Galenzoski represented Caritas at just such a meeting on the topic of trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation. More than 50 representatives from facilities across the country gathered for two days, exploring ways to "do our part in dealing with this issue and to explore actions we can undertake to support women and children in our communities," notes Karen.

"I was energized by these amazing women, " continues Karen. "I was inspired by their unflagging vitality and commitment to the mission, despite decreasing numbers and advancing ages. These women are true role models who help us remember our roots as an organization."