A BLESSED GATHERING AT ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER: ST. FRANCIS MARKS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

Yearlong festivities celebrating the 125th anniversary of St. Francis Medical Center came to a close Tuesday night with a note of appreciation to the order of nuns who started the hospital and a colorful laser light and sound show of 21st-century proportions.

Hundreds of staff and community members, volunteers and well-wishers attended the hospital's annual meeting at the Show Me Center.

The meeting also was the backdrop of a dinner celebrating the hospital's history and future.

"Throughout this year and throughout this room, you've seen reminders of 125 years of serving the people of this community and this region," said St. Francis President and CEO Steven Bjelich, as he talked of what he believes to be the hospital's successes, including its medical staff, community partnerships and technological advances.

"But tonight's true celebration is about our future, the bright and exciting future of St. Francis Medical Center."

After showing a 10-minute video about St. Francis Medical Center called "Medicine to the Highest Power," Bjelich announced the hospital's latest construction project -- a $1.4 million obstetrical unit.

Courageous patient

During the evening, the hospital honored registered nurse Amy Ward with its Courageous Patient Award.

Ward, a diabetic nurse who works at St. Francis, was injured when her automobile went off the road and struck a tree.

Though she now is back on the job, Ward was chosen to receive the award because of her positive attitude and ccheery personality during her rehabilitation.

"I thank you all for being there when I needed your wind beneath my wings," she said to the crowd as she choked back tears and accepted the award.

Historical artifacts, photographs and scrapbooks from St. Francis' 125 years were on display throughout the Show Me Center, as guests watched a colorful laser light show before the meeting ended.

Earlier Tuesday, about 100 people attended a re-dedication Mass under a tent behind the hospital. Bishop John Leibrecht spoke during the mass about the Wheaton-Franciscan sisters who started St. Francis 125 years ago and recognized those who are members of the order today.

"Since that time, all of them are motivated by the same faith in God as a part of the ministry of healthcare," Leibrecht said.

"All of you are part of the St. Francis Medical Center community now. All of you acting out of faith. At least that's the hope and that's what we do on an occasion like this -- not only recall what has been, but look to where we are now and how we want to continue."