Grey Sisters for a century place trust in Divine Providence

This year marks a century that the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception have been a steadfast presence in Pembroke and the Ottawa Valley, educating, caring for the sick and reaching out to those in need.

Now, as the Sisters mark 100 years of service, they are also entering a new chapter, making the milestone both a celebration of legacy and a poignant moment of transition.

Founded in 1926 in Pembroke, Ont., just over 145 kilometres northwest of the nation’s capital, the Roman Catholic congregation has long followed in the tradition of St. Marguerite d’Youville. What was initially a group of 77 Sisters under the leadership of Mother St. Paul, they arrived as one of five sister communities that arose from the original foundation, the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, which had come into existence in 1737 when a small group of women consecrated themselves to God and promised to serve the needy wherever they may be. 

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Since those first days, Pembroke’s Grey Sisters have devoted themselves to education and health care across local communities, staffing schools whose graduates became professionals, community leaders and religious, and serving at what is now Pembroke Regional Hospital. 

With strong local support from families, volunteers and farmers who shared produce in lean times, the Grey Sisters have expanded their mission far beyond the Valley, establishing international ministries in health, education, pastoral care and social and environmental advocacy while remaining faithful to their call to hear the cry of the poor.

Sr. Joan Cronin, the congregational leader of the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Pembroke, shared just how those early years of work helped to shape the Ottawa Valley and surrounding areas, as well as how the local community, in turn, uniquely shaped the Sisters at large. 

“Neither of our works, whether in education, religious life or with the Pembroke Regional Hospital, would have flourished without the support and cooperation of the people of the Ottawa Valley. The Grey Sisters themselves benefited from a strong connection to the people of this area, and these same people would continue to support them in many ways when the congregation moved beyond the Ottawa Valley to other parts of the world,” with a continued presence in China, Japan, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, she said.

While their early presence brings to mind such key projects, in the spirit of St. Marguerite, the Sisters have endeavoured to respond to needs “wherever and whenever we could,” Cronin said. 

“In all of these ministries, we tried to understand and relate to the needs of the time and places seeking our help. Often it meant finding new ways to do things or seeking help from governmental, ecclesial authorities and, more importantly, from the local people who once again responded and supported our endeavours.”  

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As the Grey Sisters share today, however, the congregation looks to wind down in the next phase of its journey.  

Cronin spoke of the difficulty of making such a decision after 100 years. 

“This phase of letting go is not easy. We have been called to let go of properties and buildings, ministries, ways of doing and being and gradually letting go of our own members as they move on to the next life. While there is a sadness as we watch this happen, we are truly filled with gratitude for all we have been able to do and realize that it is time to let go and let others respond to the present needs,” she said. 

Still, the congregation is hopeful to enter this new period with trust in those they leave behind. 

“Those who have supported us and worked with us understand our mission and will continue to reach out to others with compassion,” Cronin said. 

On Sept. 12, Grey Sisters and staff were to celebrate a century of service with local faithful and supporters of the congregation at their Caritas Residence in Pembroke. 

The Sisters are left to remain prayerful that their legacy of hope and trust, above all else, can be an inspiration to the people who follow them. 

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“Those are the two qualities that enabled our 77 Sisters to come to Pembroke in 1926 to begin a new branch of Grey Sisters. These women trusted in Divine Providence for guidance, support, sustenance and were able to hear the cry of the poor, respond to that cry and inspire others to follow them,” Cronin said. 

“Our prayer is that (whoever is to follow) will continue to respond to that cry, inspire others to follow them and that our legacy will continue to be expressed in our charism statement — ‘We are called to trust in the Father’s love and in a spirit of simplicity, to reveal that love in a life of service.' ” 

A version of this article appeared in the September 13, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "Grey Sisters for a century place trust in Divine Providence"