Life

Sr Teresa O'Neill: Peace and healing on the mercy journey

Mater chaplain Sister Teresa O'Neill, of the Sisters of Mercy, explains the hospital's person-centred approach and why the chapel is so important

Mater Hospital chaplain Sr Teresa O'Neill RSM
Mater Hospital chaplain Sr Teresa O'Neill RSM Mater Hospital chaplain Sr Teresa O'Neill RSM

IT isn't easy to say "yes" to the challenging question "Have you ever considered becoming a sister?"

It was a thought-provoking question which led to much soul-searching.

In the end, I did answer yes and, in 1967, joined the Sisters of Mercy before making final profession in 1975.

From then on, I have dedicated myself to the service of God and his people through works of mercy.

During my novitiate training I had the privilege of attending the School of Nursing.

There, I acquired general nursing skills before specialising in psychiatric care. Thus began my association with the Mater.

The mercy journey which I had set out on unfolded within the Mater and it has provided the backdrop to so much of my own story, both professional and personal.

I have happy, treasured memories of nursing alongside so many from different disciplines.

Together, bound by the common purpose of serving the needy, we have sought to embody the mission and ethos of the Mater: "To comfort, console and support the sick and dying, without distinction of creed."

Throughout my time at the Mater, both as nurse and chaplain, the hospital has been true to its name. It has been a mother to the sick, providing care in a welcoming, homely atmosphere of faith and friendship.

This person-centred vision of healthcare is a hallmark of the Mater and is the legacy of years of dedicated service given by previous generations of sisters and healthcare professionals.

Central to the life of the hospital is the chapel. For me, it is the focal point of God's presence among us.

I begin every day there, asking Jesus to help me see his face in all who are sick and to gift me with the same care and compassion for the sick that he had.

My day ends in the chapel with a word of thanks for all the ways in which the Lord has touched the lives of others through me.

I come before him with humility, and ask forgiveness for the times I have failed to offer others his life-giving friendship and love.

I know too that many others find the chapel to be an oasis of peace and healing.

The beautiful jewel-coloured stained glass windows and rich architecture create a sacred, 'other world' space which can lift a person's heavy heart from present anguish.

Often, visitors to the chapel will light a candle. This light symbolises their hope that the darkness they and their families are experiencing will not persist, that Jesus will share his light to warm their hearts and make clear the path ahead.

I am delighted to have worked with the project team to modernise and enhance the beauty of the chapel.

I pray that our efforts will safeguard it as a privileged space of peace and healing at the heart of our much-loved hospital and enrich the lives of present and future generations.