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Sr Brendan O'Gorman

The Power of Prayer
Giving thanks

On 20th December 1999 Sr Brendan was admitted to Wellington Hospital with a badly infected and very painful knee. Surgery was a possibility, but then Sister Brendan suffered a heart attack––followed by kidney failure. These were very serious developments, especially considering her age––88 years. After several days the doctors at Wellington Hospital said they could do nothing more for her, and she was brought back to Compassion Hospital on the 25th December, with no hope for recovery.

Sr BrendanIt was looking like Sister Brendan was not going to see the new Millennium (bugs & all). She was physically failing, confused, distressed, and ready to die. Many came to pay respects in what was thought to be her last days/hours. Very special among these visitors were Brenda and Seamus Quinn from her home in Ireland, who kept a constant vigil at her bedside for many days. What a joy it was for all of us to have them with us at this time.

However, Sister Brendan did not die. Three months and much prayer later, she was still with us, and her health fully restored. Today she is once more taking care of the flower arrangements around the home and blessing us with her cheery presence, although she has retired from chasing the sparrows out of the courtyard (and that really shows)! We thank God for Sister Brendan’s miraculous recovery, the love and care shown to her, and the testimony of answered prayers.

Sister Brendan would like to express her very sincere thanks to all our doctors who gave her such skilled care, and special thanks to our nurses who attended to all her needs lovingly and willingly. The lovely expression of care and concern on the part of the Sisters was a living expression of what true Community means to all Sisters of Compassion.

"It’s nothing short of a miracle!" Dr Farrar was heard to say.

Written by Anne Marie McGee and Sister Anne Galvin, June 2000
Photographer Alastair McAra, October 2000

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Suzanne Aubert