The Montréal Sacré-Coeur Hospital is celebrating its 100th anniversary! This centennial is an opportunity for us to highlight an exceptional history of compassion and expertise — and to prepare for the next 100 years. Together, we are writing a new chapter in our story.
Built in a short time by the Sisters of Providence, the Sacré-Coeur Hospital was inaugurated in 1926. This institution has evolved greatly over the past 100 years, but one thing has not changed: at Sacré-Cœur, all staff come together to devote themselves wholeheartedly to each patient.
Sister Claire Houde played an important role within the Hospital and the Foundation for several decades. She is a woman who perfectly embodies the values cherished by the Hospital’s founders: compassion, kindness, and rigor. Over the years, she has witnessed many of the landmark achievements that have taken place within the walls of this institution. In a video alongside Pénélope McQuade, the Foundation’s spokesperson, she shares fascinating insights into the origins and history of the Hospital. Enjoy watching (in french only)!
Are you eager to discover even more about the history of your century-old hospital? In the latest issue of the Liaison Newsletter, we present highlights from the history of both the institution and the Foundation. For the Foundation, 2026 is especially meaningful: in addition to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Sacré-Coeur Hospital, it is also marking its own 50th anniversary.
A call from the founders to contribute
The Sacré-Coeur Hospital is on the threshold of another 100 years of wholehearted dedication to the well-being of every patient. At this pivotal moment, Sister Claire Houde, representing the Sisters of Providence, is appealing to your generosity.
“In this year when we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Montréal Sacré-Coeur Hospital and 50th anniversary of its Foundation, I feel deep gratitude. Gratitude for all that we have accomplished together, and gratitude for each and every one of you who continue the work begun by the Sisters of Providence in 1926 and even before.
When the sisters of our community built the hospital in record time after a fire destroyed the previous one, they did so with courage, compassion, and a clear vision: to provide humane, innovative, and accessible care to the most vulnerable. For decades, as many as 153 nursing sisters cared for patients day and night. Their dedication shaped an institution where excellence and humanity always went hand in hand.
Thanks to your generosity, this mission continues. You have helped transform the hospital—from the sanatorium it once was into the university and integrated trauma center we know today. You have supported research, stood by care teams, and contributed to the continuous improvement of the patient experience.
But the story does not end here. The needs remain immense. To continue innovating, to train tomorrow’s caregivers, to acquire cutting-edge equipment, and to improve care environments, we need you.
By supporting the Foundation, you become the builders of the next century. You give countless people the opportunity to receive the best possible care, in an environment that is dignified, safe, and filled with hope.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for continuing this work with us and for joining your heart to ours.”
Sister Claire Houde,
Head of the Providence Works in Quebec and Eastern United-States
Chair of the Board of four Sisters of Providence corporations – Émilie-Gamelin
Pénélope McQuade invites you to give from the heart
What left the greatest impression on Pénélope McQuade during her recovery at Sacré-Coeur Hospital following her car accident in 2009? The same reason that convinced her to become the Foundation’s spokesperson a few years later: the exceptional people who work there. Watch the message she prepared for the hospital’s centennial (in french only).
The Montréal Sacré-Coeur Hospital we know today has been shaped by women and men who stood out for their spirit of innovation, their pursuit of excellence, and their determination to help those who are ill or injured. And the story is far from over. With your generosity—and with so many ambitions and discoveries still ahead—the future is bright.
“I will be paralyzed for the rest of my life. Yet every morning, I consider myself lucky to be alive.” — Éric Boyer, trauma patient.
“Everyone is dedicated and truly committed to saving lives. This isn’t a movie or TV—I am witnessing real life.” — Robert Arcand, cardiology patient.
“It could have been fatal. Today, I do my best to live up to the people who took care of me.” — Richard Leclair, neurosurgery patient.
“I believe that with motivation, a strong sense of humanity, and a skilled team, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.” – Dr. Patrick Bellemare, pulmonologist-intensivist, Associate Medical Chief of Intensive Care, and medical educator at Sacré-Cœur.
Sacré-Cœur holds many secrets that reflect the rich century of history that has unfolded within its walls. Here are some fascinating anecdotes you may not have known about this great university hospital:
Built shortly before the 1960s and reserved for the Sisters of Providence until quite recently.
This tunnel, which still exists today, connects Sacré-Cœur Hospital to the Mother House of the Sisters of Providence, where approximately 150 sisters working at Sacré-Cœur lived at the time the underground passage was built. Very practical in winter!
A unique space that has existed since the hospital’s construction.
On the 3rd floor of Sacré-Cœur, you will find a true chapel rising majestically to the top of the rotunda. It remains today a space of calm and reflection, open to patients, visitors, and staff.
At the beginning of the 20th century, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in Canada. Hospital stays for patients were long, lasting from several months to several years.
At the time, the priority was to provide facilities that would improve patients’ daily lives. In addition to consultation and treatment rooms, Sacré-Cœur Hospital therefore included dormitories, a performance hall, a classroom for children, workshops, a cafeteria, a greenhouse, a vegetable garden, and solariums.
The opening of the Integrated Trauma Centre in 2021 was no coincidence. At Sacré-Cœur, this expertise had been developed over decades—it was the natural continuation of a long-established path.
Located at the intersection of Highways 15 and 40, the hospital established itself as a reference center for major trauma cases. In fact, Quebec’s first specialized trauma unit opened at Sacré-Cœur in 1976. This reputation naturally led, in 1985—over 40 years ago—to its role as the official trackside hospital for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
In collaboration with our partner, the Qolab agency, a campaign is currently underway to mark this centennial and highlight the expertise, ambition, and dedication of Sacré-Cœur’s teams. Here are some of the visuals currently being broadcast on television and across various media (in French only):
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
In the name of the Sacré-Cœur's Team and the patients :
Thank you for your support and your generosity.
