Answering The Call

In 1869, cholera plagued the growing city of San Antonio. Bishop Claude Dubuis called upon the Sisters of Charity of The Incarnate Word from Galveston to care for the multitude of sick, infirm, and orphaned in the Texas frontier.

Three sisters responded, Mother Madeleine, Sister St. Pierre and Sister Agnes. In May, 1869, they left Galveston by stagecoach for San Antonio, traveling more than 280 miles on roads that were essentially nothing more than wagon ruts. When they arrived, they found that one building intended for their use had burned to the ground. Determined to help those in need, the Sisters set out to rebuild the burned structure. After eight months, the hospital was finished and named Santa Rosa Infirmary.

Santa Rosa Infirmary, has undergone many changes and additions since its inception. A clinical pathological laboratory was established in 1910. In 1918, Santa Rosa became the first hospital in Texas to devote a separate unit for the care of crippled children. In 1930, five years before it became the first Texas hospital to install air conditioning, the Santa Rosa Infirmary was renamed Santa Rosa Hospital.

Today, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Associates continue to answer the call during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need to help others is rooted deep in Santa Rosa’s history, and will carry on for many years to come. Our Associates are on the front lines of this situation, taking care of patients, as well as screening guests who wish to enter the hospital doors.

Just as the Sisters aided the sick in 1869, we will continue their work providing the best care available to our community, regardless of their ability to pay.

As a faith-based, non-profit health system, we depend heavily on the community and private philanthropy to sustain our important work. Consider joining our efforts by making a gift to The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Foundation or Friends of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation today. Your gift will allow us to provide the best care possible for anyone who may need it.