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Holy Family Hospital, Hospital service is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. Three of our Sisters have been together in mission since 1967 at Holy Family Hospital in the busy city of Karachi, Pakistan. Sister Elona Stanchak is Administrator of the 225-bed hospital; Sister Celine Bernier is Directress of Nursing Services; and Sister Helen Marie McGrath teaches at the hospital's nursing school. "The midwifery section is very big - the stress was on that from the beginning," says Sister Celine. "Our hospital is probably the lowest in cost; that's our aim, so we can treat the poor people." Nearly 100 students are enrolled at the Holy Family Hospital nursing school. The students spend 3 years in basic nursing, and a 4th year in midwifery training. The yearly graduation and lamplighting ceremony is a highlight for our Sisters. "When I see those girls walking up - they're so mature," says Sister Helen Marie. "I feel like I know them inside and out, and I'm so proud of them." Sister Helen Marie managed the hospital lab for 18 years, and trained young lab technicians. After she turned over the lab in 1985, she focused on teaching. "Teaching was never my idea for the future, but I actually grew to love it," she recalls. In addition to their hospital work, our Sisters are involved in their parish, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and St. Vincent's Home for the Elderly, and with the St. Joseph's Association, a diocesan organization that provides for burials. During the war in 1971, our Sisters did not evacuate from Karachi. "The people appreciated so much that we stayed with them," remembers Sister Helen Marie. "Whenever there's trouble in the city, they come to support us." All 3 Sisters have close friends in Karachi who are "like family." Medical Mission Sisters began their work in Karachi nearly 60 years ago. "Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Parsis have lived and worked side by side in a harmonious relationship," they reflect. "This still exists today, all the more important considering the worldwide situation between various factions." "Healing presence isn't just a one-way street," says Sister Helen Marie, "…we're going through it together."
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