Our Rich History
St. Mary’s Villa was founded in 1924 by a Passionist priest, Rev. Alphonsus Maria, who emigrated from Lithuania. With the fervor of the missionary spirit, he answered the call of his fellow countrymen, women and their children in the area of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Rev. Alphonsus and the religious order he founded, the Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified and the Sorrowful Mother, established an orphanage and a home for the elderly. Their loving care for the elderly continues today.
Today, St. Mary’s Villa is a member of Covenant Health, and we continue to advance our mission and embrace Catholic health care ministry, which is rooted in a commitment to promote and defend human dignity. Sharing the vision of the Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified and the Sorrowful Mother, St. Mary’s Villa continues to respond to the needs of the poor and underserved in our community.