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"GOD HAD A DIFFERENT PLAN IN MIND"
by Sister Frances Rooney, S.C.I.C.
"I know well the plans I have in mind for you – plans to give you a future full of hope." Jer. 29:11-14
These words of the prophet are applicable to each of God’s creatures, and have been so prophetic in my life. I was born in Estevan, Sask., where I grew up with three sisters and two brothers. My parents were devout Catholics, both of Irish extraction. They not only witnessed to this in their lives but in their practice and faithfulness to religious devotions.
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When I was six years old, my parents moved to Moose Jaw, Sask., in order to take advantage of Catholic Schools. From Grade One, I was taught by the Sisters of Sion in the parochial school and then in the high school through Grade Twelve. This was my first exposure to Sisters, who left a lasting impression on me by their dedication to education.
We didn’t have much time in material goods but we never lacked essentials. Our parents encouraged us to believe in ourselves and to use whatever gifts we had – all of them gifts from God. Our faith was growing from the seed of Baptism toward a mature, practical faith. As in any life or any family, we had our ups and downs, which in today’s society are mainly "up," thank God. Trust in God’s Providence and the power of prayer was a way of life for us. In a family of six children we were taught to share. Looking back, this was all part of God’s plan for me.
All through high school years, I had one goal in mind: to become a qualified graduate nurse. I was fortunate to be enrolled in the Holy Family Hospital School of Nursing in Prince Albert, Sask., qualifying as a Registered Nurse. During these years, it never entered my head that I had a vocation to Religious Life, except on rare occasions during a weekend retreat - when I was sure it was NOT for me.
Following graduation, I accepted a position on staff in the operation room at "our hospital," which was a great experience for me. The Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception owned and operated the hospital and school of nursing. These Sisters were the first English speaking congregation founded in Canada, beginning in Saint John, N.B. In 1854, in response to the needs of many children orphaned by a cholera epidemic and at the request of the Bishop, four women volunteered and came to form the nucleus of this Congregation, headed by our Foundress Honoria Conway.
After some very satisfying months as a staff nurse, I became aware of a call to Religious Life, knowing I could do more, by going from a lay nurse to commitment in the Religious Life. I had known many Sisters of other congregations; it was to the Sisters of Charity, whom I knew better than the others, that seemed to be where God’s plan was to be fulfilled in me.
This meant leaving home in Saskatchewan to go to our novitiate in Saint John, N.B. Having completed two years of prayer and discernment, I was able to make a three-year commitment, and then Final Vows.
My assignments in our hospitals included a short time in our hospital in St. John, followed by many years at St. Vincent’s Hospital and twenty-three years in Holy Family Hospital where my vocation to the Religious Life had been born. Our community helped me to keep abreast of the demanding changes in nursing by giving me an opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing Education at the University of Ottawa, a Master’s Degree in Nursing Service Administration at the University of Western Ontario and further studies in Hospital Organization and Management. All these opportunities were a part of God’s plan for me.
During my long life of service to the sick, I have been blessed in knowing and working with some wonderful folks: patients, staff, co-workers and Sisters. None of these experiences have been by chance, but all have been part of God’s plan for me. Having spent more than sixty-one years with the Sisters of Charity, I can only praise God and thank Him for His countless blessings.
Should you or your friends wish information about the Sisters of Charity, contact:
Sister Alice Keegan, SCIC
692 - 32nd Avenue West
Vancouver, BC V5Z 2J9
Phone: 874-5351
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