St Vincents & Mater Health Sydney

In Donnybrook, Ireland, close to the tomb of Mary Aikenhead there are countless rows of black crosses. Commencing with the first women who walked the foundation with Mary Aikenhead, the Foundress of the Sisters of Charity, each black cross bears the name of a deceased Sister of Charity.

In one of the rows amidst the many names a cross bares the insignia Baptist de Lacy.

Here marks the resting place of the first Rectress of St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney – the first Catholic hospital to be established in Australia.

Sr Baptist de Lacy’s story is an extraordinary one. The vision, courage and determination which inspired Sr Baptist to commence a Catholic ministry of healthcare in Australia has formed and shaped the Mission of St Vincent’s Health Australia – a Mission that has served the Australian community for over 150 years. The origins of this Mission are deeply embedded in this extraordinary vision to care for the sick, the poor and the marginalised.

Today the complex group of facilities and services in the Sydney region of St Vincent’s Health Australia bear little resemblance to the house, Tarmons, in Potts Point which was bought by the Sisters to house the first patients. Yet, the Mission which inspired these humble beginnings remains as relevant, inspiring and challenging as it did back in those early days.

Mission underpins St Vincents & Mater Health Sydney – Mission is the foundation, the reason for existence and the inspiration for a journey through times of blessing, growth, challenge and struggle.

The Mission is rooted in the healing ministry of Christ and the overarching values of love, hope, compassion and justice which were defined by the creation of Mary Aikenhead Ministries in 2009.