On 23rd January 2023 St. Vincent’s University Hospital celebrated its 189th year, therefore, it was very fitting that this date was chosen for the celebration to mark our contribution to Health Care since the foundation of the Hospital to its transfer to the new company. While it was a very heartening occasion, it was also quite sad and poignant as we finally “let go” of Mary Aikenhead’s hospital and entrusted it to those who, hopefully, will continue to be in touch with her spirit and vision.
The celebration took place in the Hospital Chapel and a number of Religious Sisters of Charity attended, as well as some of the past and present staff. The Board of Directors were also in attendance.
Following a musical interlude, Mr James Menton, Chair of the Board welcomed everyone to the event after which Sr Agnes gave an interesting presentation on the history of St Vincent’s Hospital from its foundation to its transfer to Elm Park. Further presentations followed outlining the amazing developments of St Vincent’s in Elm Park up till the present day.
The Service also included beautiful music and hymns, plus reflections read by Religious Sisters of Charity who were closely involved in the Hospital in the past.
Before the end of the Service, Mr Menton, on behalf of the Board, presented an address in which he spoke very positively about the gift we have entrusted to them. Following his address, Sr Patricia Lenihan, Congregational Leader, gave an inspiring reply, balancing the pain of “letting go” with the call of the Lord to move on to other areas of need. Sr Patricia thanked Mr Menton, Mr Nicky Jermyn and Mr Gerry O’Brien from the Hospital Group, and also Srs Agnes Reynolds and Mary Benton who planned the event which was a fitting tribute to the vision and legacy of our beloved Foundress, Venerable Mary Aikenhead and the contribution that the Congregation has made to the hospitals and to Irish Healthcare for the past 188 years.
In her concluding remarks, Sr Patricia said, “we can be confident that the vision of Mary Aikenhead is embedded in the St Vincent’s Healthcare Group’s core values of dignity, compassion, justice, equality and advocacy … and no doubt these core values will continue to inspire the leadership, governance and mission of the staff and people who are entrusted to the care of St Vincent’s Holdings”.
Following the Service, all adjourned to the Education and Research Centre for a sit-down afternoon tea, where there were wonderful exchanges of greetings as many people had not met for a long time.
While we may feel a certain sadness over the “letting go”, as Religious Sisters of Charity, we can be very proud of the legacy we have transferred to the people of Ireland, a legacy which has emanated from the inspired and singular vision of one woman, Mary Aikenhead, who ploughed a lone furrow to make her great dream of founding a hospital for the sick poor come true. No doubt that dream will continue to unfold long into the future.
