Two weeks ago I had the privilege of leading a retreat at Assisi Heights in Rochester, MN. Before going there, I was vagually aware that these Franciscan Sisters were somehow “connected” to the Mayo Clinic. But once I was on their beautiful grounds, their incredible story began to unfold for me. Here are a few highlights of that story.
On August 21,1883 a tornado swept across Rochester, MN killing 24 residents, seriously injuring over 40 others, and laying waste one-third of the city. Dr. William Worrall Mayo, Rochester’s leading physician, flew into action, transforming even the city’s dance hall into a temporary hospital. At one point he turned to the small community of Franciscan sisters for help. Mother Alfred Moes offered their empty classrooms for the injured plus two Sisters to help as nurses. Thus began an unlikely and extraordinary life-giving partnership.
Both Dr. Mayo and Mother Alfred were immigrants–he from England, she from Luxembourg. He was a Protestant physician, while she was a Catholic educator. But what they both shared was this: their profound commitment to care for suffering humanity. Shortly after the tornado, Mother Alfred approached Dr. Mayo with a proposal. In essence she said, “We need a hospital here. We Sisters will fund and build one, and we will serve as nurses, if you and your sons provide the medical care.” Dr. Mayo was reluctant at first. Rochester was too small to support a hospital, he argued, and the construction would be too costly. Besides, people shunned hospitals as “pest houses” where people went to die. Furthermore, who would come to a hospital in the middle of a cornfield? She persisted, and he finally agreed. They shook hands on it. In 1889 St. Mary’s hospital opened with 27 beds, six sisters, and three physicians, Dr. W.W. Mayo (as he was called) and his sons Charlie and Will. The sisters insisted that the hospital serve “all sick persons regardless of their color, sex, financial status, or professed religion.”
To save time and space, I will put in point form a few key aspects of this amazing story.
1. From the beginning, St. Mary’s Hospital had to deal with anti-Catholic sentiments that were rampant at the time. When Dr. Mayo tried to recruit doctors, he faced outright refusal. Some physicians did not want to be associated with anything Catholic. Others felt the venture was sure to fail because of its Catholic connection. In 1892 a rival protestant hospital was built in Rochester so that “ardent protestants” didn’t have to go to a hospital “that was managed by black-robed nuns in which there was a chapel set aside for the exercises of popery.” That hospital tried to woo the Mayos to their hospital, but the Mayos refused to leave St. Mary’s. Because of their decision, they endured severe public abuse. But their decision only strengthened the bond between the Mayos and the Sisters. (A few years later, the rival hospital closed when its founding physician abruptly left for St. Paul.)
2. After WWI, the Mayo brothers transformed the Mayo Clinic into a not-for-profit organization. They and their wives also donated the majority of their life savings as well as their physical properties to the hospital. At that time their gift was valued at $10 million. It would be many times greater in today’s terms. They decided that their doctors would receive salaries too, so that “All proceeds beyond operating expenses would be contributed to education, research, and patient care.”
3. From the beginning, the Mayos traveled the world in search of the latest medical practices. Infection was the surgeon’s greatest enemy. The brothers incorporated Scottish surgeon Joseph Lister’s practices of antisepsis into their surgery with astonishing results. Of the 1,037 patients admitted the first two years, only 22 died. Such high survival rates were unheard of. Cured patients went home and spread the good news about St. Mary’s Hospital. By 1906, Mayo surgeons had performed 4,770 operations, more than any hospital in the U.S. The Hospital also focused on research. Their doctors were pioneers in innovation and many went on to win Nobel prizes for their research. Mayo doctors gladly shared their expertise with surgeons from all over the world. In one old photograph (circa 1906) I counted 35 surgeons visiting St. Mary’s Hospital. They witnessed the Mayos doing surgeries and listened to them discussing surgical problems in their operating rooms.
4. During WWII, Japanese-American citizens were rounded up and hauled off to internment camps. It is a shameful chapter in U.S. history. But good nurses were in demand during the war. The head of St. Mary’s school of nursing, Sister Antonia Rostomily, recruited 15 young women from those camps and brought them to Rochester to study nursing. Fifty years later, in 1994, one of those students, Sumiko Ito, wrote a letter to the nursing school’s alumni office praising Sister Antonia. She said, “I have never forgotten her kindness and concern.”
5. Today the Mayo Clinic is ranked #1 in the U.S. and in the world! It has major campuses in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota. In 2022 it served 1.3 million people from all 50 states and 130 countries. But what impresses me even more than the Mayo Clinic’s current size and influence, were the Sisters of St. Francis whom I met during my week at Assisi Heights. At meals, I would ask them about their ministerial experience–past or present–and I heard responses such as these: taught in the school of nursing…in charge of the surgical floor for 20 years… taught grades first through eighth… 42 years working with Indigenious Peoples… served in pastoral care at St. Mary’s… doing spiritual direction and retreat ministry… am a pastoral associate in a parish… served in the Diocesan Tribunal for over 25 years… did pastoral care work in a detention center on our southern border… was in congregational leadership for 12 years. And one sister I met is currently the beekeeper on the motherhouse property! Before I left, I received a jar of her honey! I’ve already put some in my tea and it is yummy! (Thank you, Sister Alice, and thank you, Rochester honeybees!)
In 2018 the renowned filmmaker, Ken Burns, released a 2-hour documnetary called The Mayo Clinic: Faith, Hope, and Science. The entire movie is available on PBS Passport. Here is a six minute interview with Burns about the film. This was aired on NBC’s “Today” show.
Did anything stand out for you in today’s reflection? I welcome your comments or reactions below!
48 Responses
I vividly remember the buildings captured in your photos. Back in 1964, we flew through a blizzard in a small Cessna from Omaha to rush my Dad there for treatment. The community had boarding houses to accommodate families during their stay within walking distance to the hospital. We were so appreciative. Dad was diagnosed with Myeloma (from work exposure to carcinogens). Unfortunately, they had no treatment for it at the time, but said they would in 15 years. True to their word, they did. A neighbor contracted it and lived for 8 years. It was only 5 weeks from the time he got sick until he passed. We were blessed to have their services. Forever grateful. Thank you for sharing their history.
Bonnie, I was moved by the story of your dear father… and flying through a blizzard in a small Cessna… and knowing that a treatment would come–but not for another 15 years. How difficult that news must have been for your family. Thank you for sharing your story of love and gratitude with us. Melannie
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
This morning’s blog about a Franciscan nun having a divine vision that a hospital open to all will be built in a nearby cornfield and an agnostic doctor who ultimately makes that vision a reality is a story that gladdens the heart, revives the soul, and reminds us that miracles can indeed happen when differences are put aside and we work for the common good. Thank you!
John, Once again your comment gets to the core of the story. In one good sentence you summarized what this story did for me–gladdened my heart, revived my soul, and reminded me that miracles indeed happen–“when differences are put aside and we work for the common good.” We need to hear stories like this today, don’t we? Thanks again! Melannie
This brings to mind Sr, Mary Bernard Sheridan, a Sister of St Joseph who was the first nurse anesthetist in the US and worked at St Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA, a hospital founded by the Sisters of St Joseph. We owe so much to these trailblazing, forward-thinking women of faith.
Charlene, Thank you for giving us another true story of another remarkable nun. The history of religious congregations in this country is filled with “valiant women”such as Sister Mary Barnard. Melannie
These brave sisters are an inspiration to those immigrants facing persecution by the National Guard over the weekend in LA. Standing up for the margenalized is what these religious women do best. Thanks for sharing the Mayo Clinic story. We Catholics were once considered the outsiders. Let us now stand with the “outsiders” as Jesus did.
Yes, Kathleen, the story of these sisters is a timely story. Many of us Catholics forget the anti-Catholic persecution in our country. The sad pattern seems to be that once the “outsiders” become “insiders,” they often persecute the next group of “outsiders.” When will we ever learn? Thanks for reminding us of the relevance of this story for all of us. Melannie
Melannie: I am so enthralled with this story. And so proud to be a Sister! I’m going to send this to my siblings. We need to know about the history you have written here so well. Thank you. God bless your work. Mary Ann Flannery, SC
Mary Ann, I felt much like you: so proud to be a Sister! Sometimes we don’t appreciate our own history! Thanks for writing! Melannie
The Sisters of Saint Francis were the sisters that taught me in elementary school in Fairmont MN. I have always felt a connection to Assisi Heights. I really didn’t know the history of the Mayo Clinic though until a number of years ago when I was visiting relatives and went to Assisi Heights to see the Mother House. Thank you always for your Sunflower Seeds of Hope and Love.
Mary, I hope the Sisters of St. Francis who will read this post might know the school you mention here. Assisi Heights is quite a remarkable place–mostly because of the Sisters who live there! Thank you for your words. Melannie
Good afternoon Sr. Melannie! Love your blog today. It serves as a reminder that God is at work through good people in our world. One person asking another for help with a problem. One person sharing their vision with another. Both open to the possibilities that can happen when they say yes and help each other. God is so good!
As usual, Martha, I appreciate your comment. You capture something important here with your words! Thanks! Melannie
Melanie, Back in the early ‘60s five SNDs from Covington and two from Toledo did our nursing and PT training in that amazing facility in Rochester. Both St. Leo and myself also made our annual retreat with these wonderful women. I am most grateful for their support and education. Glad you could share retreat with them .
Mary, I wrote to one of the Sisters of St. Francis to check your comment. I had no idea there was a direct connection between their congregation and ours! I’m lad I now know! Melannie
Good Afternoon Sister Melannie,
What a great story and outstanding facility. Two of my fellow dietitians did their internship at St. Mary’s and were the best RDs ever in their fields! And having been educated by the nuns for 12 years, it was first hand experience to their dedication. I too, shared this with family and friends. Thank you.
Jean, Thank you for sharing your connections with St. Mary’s and with the Franciscan Sisters! What an influence they’ve had on so many people! Melannie
Such an uplifting story, so much faith and inspiration contained in it. Thank you for sharing it.
And thank you for your comment, Ellen. I know how inspired I was by their story. I just wanted to shared it with others. Melannie
The Mayo Clinic was known to me growing up as an avid sports fan by ESPN mentioning all the athletes going there for treatment. What a remarkable story, too!
Brandon, Thanks for your different perspective on the story. It only reasons that the Mayo Clinic would be very good for treating sports’ injuries too. Thanks! Melannie
I already knew the back story of the beginnings of the Mayo Clinic and was eager to share it whenever the opportunity arose. Time to go back and re-view the documentary on PBS Passport. How blessed you were to share sacred moments with these trail blazing women.
Yes, Carole, I feel blessed to have spent a week with these “trail blazing sisters,” as you called them! Melannie
Dear Sister, The Mayo Clinic is part of the thread of my life. In 1959 my brother, two years older than me went there as a last resort. At 13, Pat had a fast-growing brain tumor. My parents were told 98% of the patients coming there with that diagnosis walked back out of the hospital cured. Pat, sorry to say, made up part of the 2% who didn’t. But the stories my parents and older brother, who visited him while there, were of compassion and love.
There was Sr. Kateri, who personally reinforced my parents’ vision of Gods great plan for all of us. Pat passed away, but each of the children of our family grew stronger in our faith with the guidance of many super care givers whom I believe planted the seed. One of my mottos to live by is” God is the architect, I am but the builder of my life.
Sue, I’m so sorry to hear that your brother was not able to be helped even by this excellent medical facility. But I’m glad to hear you experienced the compassion and love of the doctors and nurses there–including their spiritual care. Thank you for sharing your story. Melannie
Sr. Melannie,
Thank you so much for such an interesting and inspiring story. I never knew the story of how the Mayo Clinic started. One nun and one doctor who allowed God to work through them for the good of all humanity! Awesome!
Thank you Sr Mellannie
You’re most welcome, Elizabeth! Melannie
Beverly, I especially liked your words: “One nun and one doctor allowed God to work through them for the good of all humanity.” Simply beautifully stated. Thank you! Melannie
I never knew the story of the Mayo Clinic and echo Beverly’s comments. An amazing and uplifting story. What an awesome privilege it must have been for you to do your ministry in retreat at Assisi Heights. Thank you for sharing this profound story.
Glad you appreciated this “amazing and uplifting story,” Loretta! Thanks for writing! Melannie
Thank you Sr. Melanie for such an amazing story. I’m sure so many of us had no idea that the first concept of such a great medical institution came from a vision of an amazing religious sister. I’m going to try to track down the documentary to watch. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece of history.
Karen, I hope you’re successful at tracking down that documentary! It would be well-worth your time, I’m sure! Melannie
Thank you for this story of how the Mayo Clinic was founded. I never even knew that there was anti-Catholic sentiment in America, but I’m going to read about it. My mom was a patient at the Mayo Clinic 20 years ago. I had her air lifted there from Jackson memorial hospital in Miami, Florida. She had multiple myeloma and had a stem cell transplant that didn’t take. Her doctor said that Jackson was the best place for her, but I found out Mayo was doing white blood cell transfusions that could help kickstart her immune system again. They agreed to admit her to try to save her life. I will never forget the incredible and excellent standard of care she received at Mayo Clinic, especially in comparison to where she was. The difference was night and day. The nurses and doctors at the Mayo Clinic gave her back her dignity and allowed me to feel heard for the first time in her 3 months of hospitalization. The transfusions were working, but she had a brain hemorrhage. In was to I late to save her, but I will always remember how well she was cared for. I only wish I had gotten her there sooner.
Thank you, Isabelle, for sharing another story of the good care your dear mother received at the Mayo Clinic–especially that the nurses and doctors there gave back your mother’s dignity. My sympathy to you on your loss of her. No one can replace a good Mom… Melannie
Sr Melannie about 6 years ago I spent 60 days at the Mayo Clinic. It was time well spent. I received great care although I never came in contact with any of the nuns. I consider this to be the greatest hospital in the world. All the doctors and staff were tremendous.
Robert, So glad to hear another personal witness to the Mayo Clinic’s fine care. Currently I don’t think there are too many Franciscans Sisters actually at the Cinic, but their influence is felt in other ways there. Thank you for your comment! Melannie
Today’s blog is exceptionally inspirational! I had no idea of the story behind Mayo Clinic. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I pray God will continue to inspire you .God bless you, Sister Melanie.
And thank you, Monika, for letting me know how much the story of “the doctor and the nun” inspired you–and how much the Mayo Clinic continues to live out their original vision. Melannie
I, too, was a patient at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I received an implant for the entire major blood vessel of my body. I was gone from home only 4 days! I am now 82 years old, but this happened when I was only 59 years old!
Rita, I was especially interested in your story. And to think your experience there occurred 23 years ago. Amazing! Thanks for writing! Melannie
Sr.M, I have the privilege of being a 1974 graduate of the College of St Teresa. It was founded in Winona, MN by the same Sister’s of St. Francis in Rochester. As students of nursing we spent two of our four college years in Rochester learning at the hospitals and Public Health department there. One of the nursing faculty was Sr. Ancina Adams. She was a no nonsense instructor of The History of Nursing. We knew she knew her stuff! She had assisted the doctors Mayo in the operating rooms! I am forever greatful to those faculty members that taught me how to be a continuous learner and compassionate caregiver. Bless them all.
My sister and I were patients at the Mayo Clinic and St Mary’s Hospital in the 1960s. We lived across the state and traveled there many times for follow up treatment. Very special place and people! Thank you for giving us some background on this community of healing.
And thank you, Debbie, for sharing your experience with your sister at St. Mary’s Hospital! I’m s glad you got the help you needed there! Melannie
Good afternoon, Sister Melanni,
Thank you for your inspiring story on the Mayo Clinic.
My nephew is doing an internship there and he told us how he felt so welcomed there and everyone was so professional and they had a wonderful culture there.
I bet that honey was delicious! I hope you are enjoying your flowers and did you get any tomato plants yet?
God bless you and all you do to inspire others.
Sylvia, How proud you must be of you nephew! What an honor that he got his internship there! As for tomatoes, I’ve had such bad luck with them on my porch, that I’m not growing any this year. My porch doesn’t get direct sun until late afternoon–and by then the sun is so hot, it bakes my plants. But my flowers are doing well so far! Thanks for asking. Melannie
This story has just been forwarded to me…..My wife, Fran and I met at the Mayo Clinic in 1961. She worked as a medical secretary for three world respected physicians in the treatment of diabetic diseases. I represented a company in the
Pacemaker industry. (Pacemaker technology was very new at that time).
Throughout our lifetime the Mayo Clinic and St. Mary’s Hospital have always been the epitome of outstanding care. ( 2 of our 3 children were born at St. Mary’s).
After visiting there you may be aware the Clinic and St. John the Evangelist Church are connected via an underground walkway. I was always impressed as we would attend daily noontime mass and see the large number of physicians, nurses and other employees in attendance! Evidently, by the 1960’s it was ok to be a catholic in southern Minnesota!!
My wife and I have now been married 63 years and with our next birthday’s we will each be 90 years old. Being part of the Mayo Clinic in those years will always be a highlight of our lives!
Thank you for sharing your Mayo Clinic experience with us. Those nursing nuns were the best in the world🙏🙏