Celebrating 145 Years

Carondelet has a long and rich history that spans decades. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the congregation was originally established in France. The Sisters came to the United States in 1836 to serve the diocese in Carondelet, Missouri.

In 1870, seven Sisters of St. Joseph traveled from San Diego to Tucson to open a school. In 1880, the Sisters opened St. Mary’s Hospital, Arizona’s first hospital. In 1961, they opened St. Joseph’s Hospital to provide services for Tucson’s growing east side. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet began managing Holy Cross in 1981 and assumed ownership in 1987.

Spiritual Care Services Chaplain

Oct 15, 2024

Fr. Isaac Fynn has been with our health organization as a chaplain for 26 years and will soon celebrate 45 years of priesthood! He reflects on his early days at St. Joe’s, recalling the kindness of the nuns to the patients and staff. He remembers everyone at  the hospital was happy to see the nuns around and felt the presence of God as they rounded the units.  Sister Joan Wilet was the CEO then, and Sister Pauline led the chapel. As a Chaplain, Fr. Isaac finds fulfillment in administering sacraments and comforting patients and their families. He also offers counsel to staff and leads important rituals like Ash Wednesday. His calling began at age ten after a life-threatening injury. Promising to serve God if he survived, he was inspired by missionary priests. His story continues the mission of compassionate care inspired by the Sisters of Carondelet.

“I am a priest because God called me. I love being a Chaplain.  I need to be able to administer the sacraments of anointing of the sick, Confession, and Eucharistic celebration.  I have an inward satisfaction and am happy that I can help them. May we continue with the mission of high quality, compassionate care in the spirit of the Sisters of Carondelet.”

Congratulations, Fr. Isaac, on soon reaching 45 years of priesthood! We are all blessed to continue to have your influence on our patients and staff.

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