Fresno Bishop Joseph V. Brennan celebrates mass at the Frank Diener Family Christ the Healer Chapel at Saint Agnes. Photo via Saint Agnes

Saint Agnes Medical Center marked its 96th anniversary Thursday with a celebration of faith, history and service, highlighted by a special mass led by Fresno Bishop Joseph V. Brennan at the hospital’s Frank Diener Family Christ the Healer Chapel.

Thursday’s event also featured the presentation of the Sisters’ Legacy Award, presented by Saint Agnes leadership and colleagues.

The award was presented to Rosemary McDonald, manager of patient food and nutrition services, by Saint Agnes President and Market Leader Dr. Gurvinder Kaur and Board Chair Ron Wathen. McDonald has been with the hospital since 1996 and is known around Saint Agnes for her dedicated and selfless leadership, according to a news release.

“It is truly an honor to celebrate the history of Saint Agnes, our Sisters, and the colleagues here today still carrying out their legacy in such a special way,” Kaur said. “Rosemary is a tremendous example of our Saint Agnes spirit, embodying the same humility, reverence and compassion of our Sisters throughout the last nine decades.”

 

Brennan, who was given a tour of the center by Kaur, also shared his appreciation for the dedication of the hospital’s staff.

“I have tremendous gratitude for the service and dedication that is exemplified by the Saint Agnes staff,” said The Most Reverend Joseph V. Brennan, bishop of the Fresno Diocese. “It was a wonderful opportunity to witness that service first-hand and celebrate their work.”

Brennan, who has served as bishop of Fresno since 2019, also took time to greet patients, visitors and colleagues to the Catholic-affiliated hospital.

“To have Bishop Brennan share in this celebration and provide comfort and wisdom to our colleagues and patients helps strengthen our connection to our history and healing ministry,” Kaur said.