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The last Sister of Mercy retired from Mater Private Hospital Townsville in 2018, but their enduring legacy of care and compassion is still celebrated by its staff each September.
Mercy Day is marked throughout the Mercy ministries on September 24, the date in 1827 on which the first House of Mercy was established in Dublin by Catherine McAuley.
Mater Private Hospital Townsville, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1945, is holding a series of events throughout the month to reflect on the Sisters’ work, and the mission and values that still guide Mater.
A Thanksgiving Mass was held on September 8, with a liturgy and presentation of the 2026 Living the Mercy Values Awards to hospital staff and doctors to be held on September 25.
Throughout the month, four of the 12 surviving Sisters of Mercy who served the hospital are returning to Fulham Road to share their memories with staff in ‘Storytime with Sister’ sessions.
Sister Carmel King started her nursing career at the hospital in 1977 and helped train a generation of young nurses as the facility’s Nurse Educator.
“Back then the hospital community was very, very close – everyone knew everyone else by name,” she recalled.
“The hospital was much smaller and we relied on the strong support of the community, Catholic and otherwise, to do our work.
“Much has changed, but the importance of nursing hasn’t. Patients are grateful for new technology, but what they remember is how nurses relate to them and make them comfortable – the little things that human beings treasure.”
Sister Ros Carr, who treated Mater patients as a psychologist, said the Sisters’ memories always struck a chord with serving staff.
“The Mercy values emerge from our stories and you see them resonate with staff,” she said.
“There are only 12 Sisters of Mercy still living with a connection to the hospital, but we plan to keep coming back, God willing.”
Former Board member Sister Marie Melville said the spirit of Mercy continued to shine brightly in the hospital.
“The staff really welcome the Sisters and in a way are more appreciative of our heritage, which we can take for granted,” she said.
“It is great to see the spirit of Mercy working in the staff and to see people putting Mercy into practice in their lives today.”
The hospital’s Acting General Manager, Anna Olson, said the Sisters’ visits were a highlight of the facility’s Mercy celebrations.
“Our connection with the Sisters is historic and still so important to Mater,” she said.
“Their work and example continue to inspire us to act with compassion and strive for excellence every day.”
