Eileen O’Connor, Servant of God
Eileen O’Connor experienced a life of physical suffering and immense pain following an accident that she suffered as a small child. At times, throughout her life, she was confined to a wheelchair as well as being bedridden. Despite her poor health and profound suffering, Eileen co-founded the religious Institute of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor in April 1913 in Coogee, Sydney.
At a time when no publicly-funded health care was available, Our Lady’s Nurses dedicated their lives and ministry to caring for the sick and dying poor in their homes. More commonly known as the Brown Nurses, because of their distinctive brown cloaks and bonnets, the Sister’s work continues to this day in the mission of caring for people in need.
A Life of Adversity
Eileen accomplished more in her 29 years of life than most people do in 80 years. She was marginalised and treated unjustly during her life however this never stopped her from serving people who were less fortunate than herself. She did not allow her disability, gender, or age to hinder the mission and the work that God called her to carry out. At only 115cm tall, Eileen was lovingly referred to by the nurses as “Little Mother”. She may have been small in stature, but Eileen’s impact on our Church and society was gigantic.
Spiritual Companion for Youth
We encourage all to pray with Eileen as a spiritual companion for youth in Sydney.
We live in a time where it is easy for young people to fall into the trap of making their lives all about themselves with their iPhones, iPads, the internet, and social media. Eileen shows us, however, that a life lived in service of others gives us both purpose and meaning. We are invited to immerse ourselves in the same faith in which Eileen believed and remember that it is here that we “begin the work of heaven”.
Prayer for the Cause of Eileen O’Connor
Great and Merciful God
through the maternal love of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
you inspired your servant Eileen O’Connor,
to care for the sick and dying poor
and to serve your Church through spiritual
and corporal works of mercy.
Listen graciously to our prayers,
and grant that Eileen
may be raised to the glory of your altar.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Imprimatur: +Anthony Fisher, OP
Archbishop of Sydney
10 January 2017