Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Solis celebrated Mass for employees, physicians, benefactors, and community leaders of St. Mary Medical Center on Aug. 23, the 90th anniversary of the Long Beach hospital ministry guided by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.Following the bishop’s homily, Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word Gerard Earls, spoke about the history of the hospital and the challenges during the early years, including the 7.2-magnitude Cape Mendocino earthquake of 1923, followed by the Great Depression. The Sisters rebuilt the hospital from a 70-bed hospital into a 389-bed comprehensive acute care hospital that serves the greater Long Beach community.“We have become who we are today because of the dedication and commitment of our physicians and staff, as well as the loyalty and long-standing relationship of our community partners,” said Sister Earls.Founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in 1923, St. Mary Medical Center, a member of Dignity Health, offers a full continuum of primary and secondary acute care services to the Greater Long Beach community. Recently, St. Mary Medical Center has earned several quality distinctions, including four consecutive years of Maternity Excellence (2010-13), two consecutive years of Patient Safety Excellence (2012-13), and two consecutive years of Stroke Care Excellence (2011-2012) from Healthgrades. With more than 600 physicians, 1,440 employees and 389 private rooms, St. Mary is committed to providing a unique balance of leading-edge technology, while ensuring dignity and compassionate care of body, mind and spirit to the community it serves. For more information, visit http://www.stmarymedicalcenter.org.{gallery width=100 height=100}gallery/2013/0920/smmc/{/gallery}