For 90 years, St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care has been a sanctuary for sick and injured children.

Every child who passes through the doors of this Cape Town institution relies on the high-quality free care provided by the facility. These children are too fragile to return home and are unable to afford the level of care offered by St Joseph’s anywhere else. The hospital, founded by five German Pallottine Missionary Sisters in 1935, acts as a lifeline to those who have nowhere else to turn.

Through decades of change, one constant has remained: the unwavering dedication of the staff who devote their lives to caring for the most vulnerable.

Recently, four Sisters who spent much of their careers serving at St Joseph’s returned to the hospital. Their visit was more than just a homecoming; it was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of their work.

A heartfelt return

Sister Margaret, who worked at St Joseph’s for 20 years and once oversaw the in-kind donations at St Joseph’s, was deeply moved when she revisited the storage rooms where she previously spent many hours sorting and distributing the life-changing supplies.

“I remember receiving boxes of baby clothes, food, and medical supplies—each one a gift from someone who cared deeply about the children here. Every blanket, every toy, every little onesie was a reminder that we were not alone—that there were people, families, and communities who stood with us, ensuring that no child went without. Giving is an act of faith. Those who donated back then helped shape the lives of countless children. And today, this mission continues through the generosity of those who support St Joseph’s. Your kindness has a lasting impact.”

Walking through the hospital wards, Sister Elizabeth, who was at St Joseph’s for 17 years from 1997 to 2013, reflected on the love and dedication of the nurses who work so hard to care for those who call St Joseph’s home.

“I spent many years in these very wards, caring for children who were too fragile to go home. Each child had a story—some were recovering from surgeries, others needed rehabilitation after severe illness. But all of them needed love, patience, and a place to heal. The care at St Joseph’s has always been about more than just medicine. It is about faith and healing, restoring dignity, and nurturing hope. Today, as I see the nurses continuing this mission, I know that St Joseph’s remains a place of God’s love in action.”

For Sister Sylvia, who dedicated close to 20 years to St Joseph’s, stepping into the milk kitchen where she had once prepared bottles for tiny infants brought back a flood of memories.

“Every drop of milk prepared in this hospital carried with it the love and care of everyone who served here. Many babies arrived underweight, fragile, and in need of strength to fight for their lives. Preparing their milk was a sacred duty—we knew that in those small bottles, we were giving them a chance at life. Today, the children at St Joseph’s still receive the nourishment they need, not just in food but in care, kindness, and faith.”

Serving with love and dignity

The sisters ended their visit in the chapel, a sacred space where they had spent many hours in prayer for the children in their care, rooted in the facility’s Catholic spirit. Ninety-two-year-old Sister Boscona reflected on what it meant to return to St Joseph’s and see its mission still thriving.

“St Joseph’s was always more than a hospital—it was a sanctuary of hope. The children who came through these doors were given a second chance at life, and for us, it was a calling to serve them with love and dignity. Today, St Joseph’s is the only Catholic children’s hospital in South Africa — a place where faith and healing remain intertwined. The spirit of the Pallottine Sisters, who founded this mission, lives on in every child who receives care here.”

Their visit was a poignant moment, bridging the past with the present. St Joseph’s has cared for thousands of children over the past nine decades, but its mission is far from over. The hands caring for the children who rely on the vital services provided, may have changed, but the purpose remains the same: to heal, to nurture, and to love.

Those who support the legacy of St Joseph’s, whether through donations, legacy gifts, or simply by sharing the story of St Joseph’s, ensure that this place of healing continues to serve those who need it most.

90 years of faith, service, and healing. Be part of this legacy—join the 9 ZERO Challenge, share the story, or leave a legacy gift to ensure St Joseph’s continues its mission for generations to come. For more, visit stjosephsipc.org.za