PENSACOLA, FLA. – Sacred Heart Health System President and CEO Patrick J. Madden was recently awarded a Bicentennial Medal from the Seton Legacy of Charity in honor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. 
In 1809, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton founded the American community of the Daughters of Charity, the group of sisters who began Sacred Heart Hospital in 1915.
Madden was among 51 men and women from diverse backgrounds who were honored for their significant contributions in social services, education and healthcare. The award ceremony was held May 23 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Md.

“This medal honors people who, through their ministries or their way of life, have mirrored the example of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s pioneering spirit and have been willing to be risk-takers like Mother Seton, who showed courage in the face of overwhelming personal odds,” said Sr. Vincentia Goeb of the  Daughters of Charity.

Madden joined Sacred Heart Health System in1995 and has more than 35 years of experience in healthcare administration. In addition to his role as president and chief executive officer of Sacred Heart Health System in Pensacola, Fla., Madden also serves as the Gulf Coast/North Florida Ministry market leader for Ascension Health, with oversight of Ascension Health’s ministries in Jacksonville, Fla., Mobile, Ala., and Nashville, Tenn.

“Patrick has a heart for those who are poor.  He arrived as an immigrant to the United States from Ireland when he was just 16 years old and personally remembers what it was like to be poor,” said Sister Jean Rhoads, provincial councilor for the Daughters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Pa. “Patrick shows compassion to others in need and strives to make their lives better.  He is a leader with vision and develops relationships to enhance quality health care and outreach services to underinsured and uninsured populations.”

The roots of the Daughters of Charity extend back to 1633, when it was founded by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac in France to serve those most in need and abandoned. They began caring for the sick poor in their own homes, and were soon asked to take responsibility for administering hospitals. Their work responded to the needs of their communities and encompassed social services, care of orphans and refugees, education and work in church parishes.

For more information on the Seton Legacy of Charity, visit online at www.setonlegacy.org, and for information on the Daughters of Charity, visit www.doc.org. For more information on Sacred Heart Hospital, please call (850) 416-7000 or visit www.sacred-heart.org.
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