This painting was commissioned by the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation to represent the arrival, 160 years ago, of Mère Élizabeth Bruyère in Ottawa (then known as Bytown). Her quest was influenced by the spiritual guidance of Sainte Marguerite d'Youville. Mère Bruyère's stated responsibility was to establish schools, an orphanage and a hospital in the developing town - all of which were realized. Mount Saint-Joseph Orphanage ( closed in 1968),  the Couvent de la rue Rideau (though the convent was closed in the mid 20th century, its chapel was rebuilt as a permanent ficture in the National Art Gallery of Canada) and the Ottawa General Hospital (which has been continuously expanded) are all proof of her dedication and commitment to the growth and wellbeing of Ottawa's children and less fortunate.