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140 years of service in Pakistan Living almost all of their missionary lives among the people of Pakistan is one way that three Medical Mission Sisters have tried to be a healing presence to others today. Sisters Celine Bernier, Helen Marie McGrath, and Elona Stanchak are completing a combined 140 years of ministry in Pakistan this month. Since 1967, they have been in mission together at Holy Family Hospital in Karachi, where 99% of the patients are Muslim. Before that time, Sisters Celine and Elona served together as nurses in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. “We are a Christian presence in this mostly Muslim nation…I think we have shown by example that we can all live together,” says Sister Elona. She began her healing service as a nurse and nursing supervisor at the 225-bed Holy Family Hospital, then became Administrator in 1978. She shares, “We’ve received so much from the people, who are such a happy people with great faith, in spite of their poverty and the simplicity of their lives. They, even the government, respect us and support our work.”
As Directress of Nursing Services at the hospital, which has a large midwifery section, Sister Celine has worked closely with the nurses in charge of each ward, and also has enjoyed seeing the nursing students doing their clinical work. “Nursing is a profession that gives you an immense joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment at being at the bedside of someone who is sick,” she shares. “You can’t get closer to someone than at the time of their greatest need. That is where your true vocation becomes obvious.” Sister Helen Marie McGrath managed the hospital lab for 18 years, and trained young lab technicians. Since turning over the management of the lab to a Pakistani in 1985, she has taught the nursing students in such courses as physics, chemistry, microbiology and human development. “Teaching was never my idea for the future, but I actually grew to love it,” she says. “At the graduation, when I see those girls walking up…I feel like I know them inside and out, and I’m so proud of them.” Sister Celine speaks for all three Sisters when she shares, “Healing presence means being present to the people, sharing their joys and sorrows, and being there when they need you…we have received much more than we have given.” April 1, 2009
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