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Lion's share of religious life lived out at St. Vincent Hospital

Sister Mary O’Leary, SP, and Monsignor Peter Beaulieu, in the Hospital atrium next to a replica of the Hospital’s historic bell.

“The happiness and satisfaction of being in the middle of God’s people remains and continues to grow,” answers Sister Mary O’Leary, SP, when asked to reflect on her 36 years as chaplain and sacristan at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. Admitting that not all days in anyone’s life’s work are golden, she adds, “When those days come and I feel a bit down, I walk the hospital floors. I love visiting the sick and listening to their stories. I’ve heard some great ones, some with laughs, but others about the sad and difficult times in people’s lives.”

According to Monsignor Peter Beaulieu, the Hospital’s Director of Mission Integration, Sister Mary accomplishes much in the name of charity. “From bedside, to X-ray, to the chapel, she does many and varied things well, and without seeking acclaim. She remains the hospital’s tangible link to the Sisters of Providence,” founders of the hospital that has provided 120 years of continuous service to the sick.

“God has blessed Sister Mary,” he continued, “with a keen intellect and a compassionate heart, coupled with a no-nonsense approach to life. She is equally at ease dealing with the disappointments and heartaches of the hospital’s staff as she is with listening to the patients while bringing Christ to them” through the Eucharist.

Sister Mary’s days begin with the visiting she so loves to do as she makes the rounds to patients admitted the previous day. And even the most casual observer of her ministry-style can attest that she puts patients first. In fact, her job title could very well include the designation, “Patient Advocate.”

Placing trust in God
Monsignor Beaulieu, adds, “The trust between Sister Mary and staff make the staff likely to not only confide in her, but to see her as a liaison between patient and staff or staff and the priest-chaplains. Yet,” he clarifies, “it is in the Hospital chapel where you see her at her best—whether engaged in private prayer, or zeroing in on someone who is there in spiritual or emotional distress. No one trusts God more, nor practices the virtues more sincerely than she.”

Grateful for the support of her religious community, Sister Mary said, “I’ve been told many times over my life that humility is the foundation stone of religious life. But, I must tell you, I am very proud to be a Sister of Providence and would be remiss if I didn’t remark on the kindness and love of my Sisters that has surrounded me in my 65 years of religious life.”

Her personal prayer life, her Sisters, the support she feels from her colleagues and her spiritual reading are pivotal to the person Sister Mary is today. “I’ve come across a poem by a Cistercian nun that says we are in this world to make music for God,” shared Sister Mary. “What a great thought! And from my own Sisters of Providence comes this last thought, “Sisters of Providence believe we are called to joyfully portray God’s providence.”

Today Sister Mary remains at St. Vincent’s, joyfully portraying God’s providence.

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