Ensign takes over Villa

Intermountain Catholic

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Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Sister Ruth Robles presents a candle symbolizing the transfer of Saint Joseph Villa to Matt Church, who will operate the facility for the Ensign Group.

SALT LAKE CITY —A new flag is flying, if not literally then figuratively, over Saint Joseph Villa.

The senior health-care facility was sold by CHRISTUS Health, which is affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, to the for-profit Ensign Group. The sale was effective Feb. 1; a transfer ceremony took place Jan. 28.

"Thank you for entrusting this ministry to us," said Matt Church, who will run the facility for Ensign. "With God’s help we will use this opportunity to further the legacy far into the future."

As well as peering into the future, speakers at the ceremony looked to the past.

"This is a day to reflect on and to honor the legacy of Saint Joseph Villa," said William Rohoff, interim CEO of CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa. "For 63 years it’s not just been a health care provider, it’s not just been part of the health-care universe in Utah or Salt Lake City. CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa, in its history, has become part of the fabric of Salt Lake City."

Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, agreed. "St. Joseph Villa was always a place of peace, respect and distinction, and where hope in the resurrection, looking forward to the glory of heaven, were qualities that endured," he said. "As Ensign takes over the challenges of Saint Joseph Villa, we in the Catholic diocese wish you well. You are receiving a sacred trust from our community. May Ensign always maintain the majestic dignity of St. Joseph Villa."

Church vowed to do just that. "It is our promise that we will do everything in our power … to be the standard bearers of care in the Salt Lake community and to continue the mission and to continue the legacy of Saint Joseph Villa," he said.

During the ceremony, Kathleen Fallon, assistant administrator for mission services at St. Joseph Villa lit two candles symbolizing the facility’s past and future. Lighting the purple candle symbolizing CHRISTUS has been a tradition since that organization took over the facility in 1999. The candle symbolized not only the CHRISTUS mission, which was to expand the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, but also to honor the legacy of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, who founded the villa and "who have been part of the fabric of this community for many, many years," Fallon said.

The white candle that was lit symbolized the future, Fallon said. "We pray for willingness to accept the challenges that lie ahead, grace to sustain us and move us forward."

Sister Ignatia O’Driscoll, one of the last Incarnate Word sisters to serve at the villa, said their ministry "has been very fulfilling, as we have brought hope, healing and love to those we serve. As our CHRISTUS journey draws to a close, it is our fervent hope that all of the villa residents will continue to receive quality care in an environment filled with hope, dignity and compassion."

The sisters were given several goodbye gifts, including a framed picture of the original home that was the beginning of the villa.

"While we are sad to know that you will leave us to return to your mother house in Houston, we will treasure the memories you leave with us for a lifetime," said Doris Poirier, who presented the picture on behalf of the villa’s residents.