75 Years: Germaine Chabot, SP
Sister Germaine of Seven Dolors
I was born on a farm in Clarence Creek, Ontario, Quebec, and first met the Sisters of Providence when I worked one summer at Sacred Heart Hospital in Hull, Quebec. I was very impressed with the Sisters of Providence because of the good care they gave to the patients and the love they had for them. I entered the novitiate in Montreal in 1937 and made first vows on November 19, 1938.
Soon after profession, I was missioned to Sacred Heart Province in Seattle, Wash., where learning to speak English was the first of many challenges. I entered nurse’s training at St. Joseph Hospital in Vancouver, Wash., and dedicated my entire life to following in the footsteps of Blessed Emilie Gamelin and Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. After graduation I began my ministry in health care, serving as a nurse, supervisor, superior, administrator and pastoral care associate.
“Why did God choose me?”
My ministries took me to Yakima, Everett and Olympia, Wash., and then in 1968 to Providence Medical Center in Portland, Ore., where I remained for 41 years. I began as a member of the administrative council and later, after completing the clinical pastoral education program in Oakland, Calif., I served in pastoral care.
My favorite ministry was to assist the dying in the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department. It gave me great satisfaction to be present and pray with the patient and family at their last moments on earth.
As I reflect during these 75 years as a Sister of Providence, I feel humble to have been called to serve God as a Sister of Providence and I often ask myself, “Why did God choose me?”
Jesus’s life calls her to live humbly
I have received many blessings and privileges during these years. The religious community allowed me the opportunity for a cultural trip to Rome, France, Portugal, Greece, Israel and Egypt. This trip was a great experience and one that I shall never forget. The life of Jesus is for me more meaningful and calls me to live more humbly, justly and hopefully more lovingly.
Prior to the beatification of Blessed Emilie Gamelin at the Vatican, I had the privilege to attend a special ceremony in Montreal for the opening of her tomb. This ceremony on March 27, 2001, was very impressive and left a lasting memory. I owe Sister Barbara Schamber, then provincial superior, a special thank you for this great privilege.
These days I am retired and reside at St. Joseph Residence in Seattle, where I enjoy knitting, crocheting, playing Bingo there and next door at Mount St. Vincent, calligraphy and watching basketball.
Providence of God, I thank You for all!