I was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan, where I grew up with three sisters
and two brothers. My parents were devout Catholics,both of Irish extraction.
They not only witnessed to this in their lives but in their practice
and faithfulness to religious devotions.
When I was six years old, my parents moved to Moose Jaw, Sask.,
in order to take advantage of Catholic schools.From Grade One, I
was taught by Sisters of Sion in a parochial school and then in high
school through Grade Twelve.This was my first exposure to religious
sisters, who left a lasting impression on me by their dedication
to education.
We weren't rich in material goods but we never lacked essentials.
Our parents encouraged us to believe in ourselves and to use whatever
gifts we had, all of them gifts from God. Our faith was growing from
the seed of baptism toward a mature, practical faith.
As in any life or any family, we had our ups and downs, which …were
mainly up, thank God. Trusting in God's Providence and the power
of prayer was a way of life for us. In a family of six children
we were taught to share. Looking back,this was all part of God's
plan
for me.
All through high school years, I had one goal in mind: to become
a qualified graduate nurse. I was fortunate to be enrolled in the
Holy Family Hospital School of Nursing in Prince Albert, Sask., qualifying
as a Registered Nurse. During these years, it never entered my head
that I had a vocation to religious life, except on rare occasions
during a weekend retreat, when I was sure it was NOT for me.
After graduation, I accepted a position on staff in the operation
room at "our hospital", which was a great experience
for me. The Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception
owned and operated the hospital and school of nursing.
These sisters were the first English-speaking congregation founded
in Canada, beginning in Saint John, N.B. In 1854, in response to
the needs of many children orphaned by a cholera epidemic and at
the request of the bishop, four women volunteered and came to form
the nucleus of this congregation, headed by our foundress,Honoria
Conway.
After some very satisfying months as a staff nurse, I became aware
of a call to religious life, knowing I could do more by going from
a lay nurse to commitment in the religious life. I had known many
sisters of other congregations, but it began to seem as though God's
plan was to be fulfilled in me with the Sisters of Charity, whom
I knew better than the others.
This meant leaving home in Saskatchewan to go to our novitiate in
Saint John, N.B. After two years of prayer and discernment, I was
able to make a three-year commitment, and then final vows.
My assignments in our hospitals included a short time in our hospital
in Saint John, followed by many years at St. Vincent's Hospital in
Vancouver, and twenty-three years in Holy Family Hospital, Prince
Albert, where my vocation to the religious life had been born.
Our community helped me to keep abreast of the demanding changes
in nursing by giving me an opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of
Nursing Education degree at the University of Ottawa, a Master's
Degree in Nursing Service Administration at the University
of Western Ontario, and further studies in Hospital Organization
and Management. All these opportunities were a part of God's plan
for me.
During my long life of service to the sick, I have been blessed
in knowing and working with some wonderful folks: patients, staff,
co-workers, and sisters. None of these experiences have been by chance,
but all have been part of God's plan for me. Having spent more than
61 years with the Sisters of Charity, I can only praise and thank
God for countless blessings.
Should you or your friends wish more information about us, please
see our web page 'Contact Us'.
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