Mother Joachim Bushmann was born in Salesia in Europe. Later, her family emigrated to Buffalo, New York. In 1861, at age 21, she entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame and professed first vows. Mother Caroline Friess recognized in Sister Joachim the wisdom, stamina and administrative skills needed to open the first mission in Canada. On October 7, 1871 Mother Caroline accompanied Sister Joachim to the village of St. Agatha, Ontario where Sister Joachim took charge of the orphan children and the German parish school.
Mother Joachim’s detailed recordings in the chronicles describe the struggles and hardships of her 30 years there. With motherly solicitude she accepted babies and toddlers who were often malnourished and neglected. Contagious diseases frequently plagued the orphans. Begging for funds in neighbouring parishes; pleading for food and water in times of drought; constantly being understaffed due to mishaps and illness - these were some of the challenges. Repeatedly, Mother Joachim writes about the intervention of Jesus and Mary in disastrous situations. Under her guidance and leadership, Mother Joachim maintained a high standard of education. The inspector of orphanages praised the sisters for their excellent care of the children and cleanliness of the building.
Pictured here is the monument for Mother Joachim Bushmann in St. Agatha, Ontario. At the base is a footstone placed by two priests who were brought to the orphanage as babies. They claimed Mother Joachim as the only mother they knew. She died on July 5, 1901.
