# @dignityhealthaz on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DWEk-z8Gsal
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/60611025-dignityhealthaz-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/93e5d0c769.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-19T15:45:50.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Dignity Health AZ (@DignityHealthAZ) — https://gondola.cc/DignityHealthAZ

## Caption

On March 19, 1895, the Sisters of Mercy founded St. Joseph's in Phoenix. Today, we celebrate 131 years of their enduring legacy. 

While the hospital's first 130 years saw a Sister of Mercy leading operations, a new chapter began in 2025 with the retirement of VP of Mission Integration, Sister Margaret McBride, after 50 years in healthcare, mostly at St. Joseph's since 1977. We also mourn the recent passing of Sister of Mercy Madonna Marie Bolton on Feb 7,  just shy of her 89th birthday. Sr. Madonna spent nearly her entire religious career at St. Joseph's, leaving an indelible mark on Dignity Health’s Arizona Market.

Arriving in 1971, Sr. Madonna, a pediatric nurse, helped establish St. Joseph's PICU. Her dedication extended to cancer patients, pioneering hospice care, and creating the Oncology Life Enrichment Program. Her remarkable friendship with Linda Pauling and Christopher Greicius inspired the creation of the makeawishamerica Foundation, making Christopher's wish to be a police officer come true – a profound act of #humankindness. She also led history events and created the hospital's historic displays. 

Recognizing fewer women religious, she helped establish the Mercy Affiliate Program in 2016 to ensure the Sisters' mission and values, focusing on those in need, remain at our hospital's heart. 13 trained Mercy Affiliates currently serve at St. Joseph's.

Sr. Madonna also committed time to Chandler Regional, Mercy Gilbert, St. Joseph’s Westgate, and Yavapai Regional, sharing our mission, welcoming leaders, and assisting fundraising. Later, as a special assistant to St. Joseph’s Foundations, she secured funds for patient programs. She was also recognized as a “Healthcare Hero,” whose commitment to care extended beyond our walls. Her legacy lives on through thousands of patients and the continued good works of the Sisters of Mercy.

As we celebrate 131 years, we reaffirm our commitment to the mission established by these incredible women religious. The spirit of kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication of the Sisters of Mercy remains our guiding light.

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## Tags

humankindness

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