A Profound and Lasting Presence

It’s 5:00 a.m. The sun has yet to wake and crest the horizon. But the convent is already bustling. The Sisters are moving about their respective morning routines with brisk determination. After all, morning prayer begins sharply at 6:00 a.m.

“Our two apostolates are education and healthcare but our main work is prayer,” said Sister Mary Nika Schaumber, the local Superior of the House.

From the very beginning of planning and executing his bold vision, William K. Warren Sr. was adamant about including a religious order as an active presence in the hospital. To him, it was as essential a need as having medical professionals on staff. It would be one of the most impactful ways to fully live the health system’s mission: To extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do.

“My father always believed that the Sisters and religious here were the lifeblood of the hospital,” said William K. Warren, Jr. “Without them and the presence of the Catholic faith, he’d probably just shut the doors and move on to something else.”

While the Religious Sisters of Mercy are the current occupants of the convent, which is located within Saint Francis Hospital and shares a wall with the Trauma Emergency Center, there have been two orders before them. Adorers of the Precious Blood

In the early years, the Adorers of the Precious Blood played a role in the actual administration of hospital operations. However, as the hospital grew, so did its need to establish a new system in operational standards.

“We more than doubled in size within the first few years. The Adorers of the Precious Blood eventually stepped down, so we made a trip to Houston to recruit the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word,” said Warren. “Thankfully, they agreed.”

With them, came an influential force who would help fundamentally shape the future of the health system, Sister Mary Blandine Fleming.

It was in 1969 when Sister Mary Blandine and her counterpart, Lloyd Verret, were installed as administrators of the hospital. Together, they proved to be a dynamic team. Their talents and personalities were complimentary. They each leveraged their considerable gifts, creating strategic processes as well as an overall sense of calm that would better serve the staff and patients alike.

Yet, one wore a habit and the other wore a suit, which in some ethereal way, demonstrated who was in charge. According to Dr. Jerry Gustafson, Sister Blandine was “the boss.”

Like Verret, a seasoned healthcare administrator, Sister Blandine was well-versed in hospital work. She held a Master’s degree in hospital administration from Xavier University and had trained as medical records librarian for a decade. Prior to Saint Francis, she worked at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. She was just 35 years old when she took the helm.

Sisters from the Adorers of the Precious Blood at the groundbreaking for Saint Francis Hospital

Sister Mary Blandine Fleming, Lloyd Verret, Robert Parker and Dr. C.T. Thompson

Sister Mary Nika Schaumber, RSM

“Sister Blandine was well-beloved and had a real impact on the health system. Just a tremendous influence who held very narrow standards,” said Sister Mary Nika. “She and Lloyd Verret had a wonderful relationship.”

In early 2000, yet another recruiting trip was made by the Warrens. This time, at the behest of Father Denis Casey, to Alma, Michigan. Home of the Religious Sisters of Mercy.

“They came to ask our Superior General if we could come to Saint Francis,” said Sister Mary Nika. “We’ve been here ever since.”

Today, there are seven Sisters who live and serve throughout the health system. Of those seven, three are physicians, two serve in pastoral care and the other two, including Sister Mary Nika, oversee the department of religion, which is over pastoral care and ethics. Its focus is to promote the Mission, Vision and Values of the health system. “With the convent right there, we’re always on call,” Sister Mary Nika said. “It does bring calm and a sense of peace to the staff knowing that the Sisters are here.”

It’s a notable presence that also extends to the patients as well. For Sister Grace Miriam Usala, R.S.M., M.D., she sees it in those she treats each and every day in her practice as an internal medicine physician at Warren Clinic Muskogee.

“As a doctor and a Religious Sister, I believe people are more likely to confide in me than they might with others,” said Sister Usala. “Maybe it has something to do with the habit that makes people feel more welcome to do so. There’s just an openness towards us.”

Sister Gianna Marie Savidge, R.S.M, M.D., who also serves as a physician with Warren Clinic Muskogee echoes that sentiment. “It’s not just about physical healing, but we also are with patients as they address deeper questions such as the meaning of

“It’s not just about physical healing, but we also are with patients as they address deeper questions such as the meaning of suffering and of simply being human. It is a privilege to be with patients on this spiritual level.

– Sister Gianna Marie Savidge, R.S.M, M.D., left, pictured with Sister Grace Miriam Usala, R.S.M., M.D.

Sister Mary Rachel Nerbun, RSM, M.D., medical director of Xavier Clinic

suffering and of simply being human. It is a privilege to be with patients on this spiritual level.”

While it has always been a focus of Saint Francis Health System, the Catholic tradition they represent isn’t always found in other medical facilities. Yet it remains as something special that elevates the care of the whole person. “We don’t shy away from our Catholic identity, or conform to the pressures of secular culture,” Sister Usala continued. “From what I’ve observed, I believe patients appreciate Saint Francis’ Catholic values.”

As the sun begins to set, the Sisters make their way back to the convent. They gather for Holy Hour where they pray for the particular intentions of the health system. They then have dinner and share stories and reflections of a busy day serving others. Then as their day comes to an end, just as it began… they pray.