So wonderful that these nuns are considerate and kind to the dying, because having been taught by them for 12 years, know that they were not REMOTELY that way in school!
1
Beautiful. Simply beautiful. in Buddhism we talk of loving kindness. At Rosary it seems they live it every day--it is loving kindness in its most pure form. Bless them all.
5
When I was teaching high school in Manhattan in the 1990s, I brought a group of students to the sisters' home on the Lower East Side to do charitable work. Both I and the kids expected the experience to be difficult. For sure, the patients were very sick, but there was something mysteriously uplifting about the place. Definitely a sign of the presence of Jesus at work in these sisters! There should be thousands more places like this.
5
Very sad that many of these Catholic hospices will be driven out of business by fines of $36,500 per employee per day under the HHS birth control-abortifacient mandate if the Little Sister of the Poor (who do similar work) lose their Supreme Court case in June. Let us pray for their success.
5
For some years I ministered as a chaplain at a Home served by the Little Sisters of the Poor. I wonder if the Hawthorne Dominicans have 'in-house' chaplains. If I were younger and my life less rooted at present, I'd ask These Sisters how I might be able to join their ministry. Appearing this day, Solemnity of Pentecost, how good of the Times to include the article whose photographs convey more than words could say. The article does not--nor need it do so--mention that the Hawthorne's daughter may one day be canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
5
Angels are real, they are earthbound and need no wings.
10
These are loving, caring souls, but I hope readers don't have the impression that such hospice care is rare or unusual today. My brother passed away in December from brain cancer, after a torturous 15-month battle. his last moments were in a privately funded hospice facility, where the staff were compassionate, and gentle, and helped my brother let go in great peace.
I write this only to offer praise for all those who offer such beautiful end of life care, like the nuns pictured here. Bless them all.
I write this only to offer praise for all those who offer such beautiful end of life care, like the nuns pictured here. Bless them all.
13
My 92 year old friend died three weeks ago at Nathan Adelson Hospice a wonderful facility with caring people that made death easier and painless for both the patient and family. This is a wonderful story, their is truly good in this world. God bless the Sisters and keep them safe.
12
May all the gods and goddesses smile upon these sisters these lovers of great mercy and give them every blessing to aid their work.
6
thank you for the fine article. I would also like an article about those who are too poor to afford care but do not get into programs like this.
5
There doesn't seem to be any income prohibition, nor do the Dominicans seem to accept donations from families--as related by several of these comments.
6
My mother died here. She was surrounded by the Sisters who ushered her into the next world in keeping with Mom's beliefs. These women represent the best of humanity and incalculable generosity.
21
The photographs, so reminiscent of Dutch Masters, embody the clarity of intentions of these women. Beautiful.
17
A friend of mine was there for six months. They were wonderful and took excellent care of him.
8
Would there be refuges like these with caregivers like these beautiful nuns all over the country.
13
When my Dad passed away, he asked that any donations be sent to this home in Hawthorne. Consistent with its overall sense of decency and respect, the Sisters never request money from one time--or many times--donors. What charity does that? Stays under the radar but stays and stays. God bless them.
17
I am not eloquent enough to express my gratitude! My eyes fill with tears as I become overwhelmed with emotion! These Nuns, giving loving care for the dying, can never be repayed in this life. Surely they will spend their eternity with God!
16
Jesus guides the lives of all good Catholics. Jesus said, " He who lives and believes in me shall never die ", so in this we know that these people are simply moving to a new and better life and not really dying at all. Just remember the 'good thief' who asked Our Blessed Lord to remember him when He comes into His Kingdom, and Jesus told him, " This day you will be with me in paradise". These good women then do God's work, and He will bless them far more than any of us can even imagine. That is their payment.
8
In the 90's, while a pastor in northern New Jersey, I responded to a call from a dear neighbor to ask if I could visit her dying mother at Rosary Hill in Hawthorne, NY. The tender care, kindness, spiritual power and compassion of these Dominican Sisters in their ministry to the terminally ill moved me deeply; indeed Rosary Hill is not a 'nursing home.'
Mother Alphonsa [Rose] Hawthorne was once a NY society girl, who was appalled by the plight of destitute people with cancer; she had a conscience. Think of the stigma with AIDS in the very early years before people understood: cancer was often the 'unmentionable' in many social circumstances of Hawthorne's era and well into that of my own grandparents, born in the 1890s. My late grandmother who lost a sister, age 25 in the early 1920's to ovarian cancer once told me decades ago, "we couldn't tell people it was cancer: we said she died of "consumption" [TB].
Hawthorne started out in the 1890's in an apartment on the Lower East Side nursing destitute cancer patients, later joined by other women. They were brave visionaries and true heralds of Christ's Gospel. Hawthorne's canonization for sainthood is under consideration at the Vatican.
Fr. S.G. (ret.) Indianapolis
Mother Alphonsa [Rose] Hawthorne was once a NY society girl, who was appalled by the plight of destitute people with cancer; she had a conscience. Think of the stigma with AIDS in the very early years before people understood: cancer was often the 'unmentionable' in many social circumstances of Hawthorne's era and well into that of my own grandparents, born in the 1890s. My late grandmother who lost a sister, age 25 in the early 1920's to ovarian cancer once told me decades ago, "we couldn't tell people it was cancer: we said she died of "consumption" [TB].
Hawthorne started out in the 1890's in an apartment on the Lower East Side nursing destitute cancer patients, later joined by other women. They were brave visionaries and true heralds of Christ's Gospel. Hawthorne's canonization for sainthood is under consideration at the Vatican.
Fr. S.G. (ret.) Indianapolis
22
I was taught through elementary school years by Dominicans in Westchester County. When I was about ten years old, perhaps a year or so older, my class was taken to this place of the dying to visit with some of the patients and with their care-giving nuns. It was an odd sort of class outing, and it was over sixty years ago. I remember in particular a young person whose cancer was profoundly disfiguring of his face. The visit was a part of my education on the subjects of caring and of death (another part was attending the funeral our our church's organist, at around the same time). Both of these were moving experiences, helpful, possibly, in making me a better, perhaps more compassionate person. I am thankful for that.
21
An elderly family member was cared for at Rosary Hill in the late 80's. Her pain was eased and her dignity was maintained. I recall seeing her sitting up, just days before she died, arms wrapped around her knees, like a young girl, with no discomfort or fear. The sisters do good work.
15
This lovely story conveys purity and beauty. Reminds me of the saying "Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words." No words needed.
25
My Mother was a patient in Rosary Hill in Westchester ny I can only say the sisters of Rosary Hill were unbelievable I felt so safe when I went home she said to me this is my new home they treated my Mother like as if she was the queen they would sit and talk to her and groom her so beautiful I loved visiting her and all the patients there I thank God for such a place to go to die with such dignity and love my Mother was Jewish and was blessed to be a part of Rosary Hill Thank you for all your care and comfort you gave her
22
That is what Christianity is about.
22
No, it is what being a Humanist, a loving creature is all about. My usually rambunctious dog sat with my dying relative and I, for 24 h, for 3 months without a pip; he is a canine and I am an atheist.
5
These nuns are truly doing God's work. Bless them.
4
Bless these wonderful women whose gentle kindness and true love of others show in every face. Hospice gave my mother and me a caring and quiet last weeks together grateful for the gift of being undisturbed by the impersonal noise and activity of a typical hospital room. My beloved mother left me with the same dignity that marked her entire life, surrounded by love and peace, her hands in mind, nothing left unsaid, everything understood. I miss her very day.
7
These women are incredibly positive examples of Christian charity. I hope that if I am not fortunate enough to die conveniently in an instant, I can spend my last days with them.
4
In the midst of ugly stories about Catholic bishops who live lives of privileged luxury, of priests who sexually assault young boys with impunity, of rife corruption in the Vatican, we see beautiful stories about these gentle nuns who dedicate their lives to others. If anyone could restore honor to the embattled Roman Catholic Church, it is the nuns. Bless these women.
11
These women are angels among us! They cared and prayed for my father in his last days. They are in my thoughts all the time and sometimes I become overwhelmed with gratitude for their generosity and compassion. These women truly do God's work. God Bless the Hawthorne Dominican Sisters of Rosary Hill.
7
My brother was truly fortunate when he was admitted to Rosary Hill with terminal lymphoma on August 14, 2015. Words could never fully express my heartfelt gratitude for the dedicated, beneficent care he received from the staff until his death on January 15, 2016. These wonderful women (and men, on the men's floor) exemplify the Golden Rule that is at the heart of Christianity. God bless them all.
9
These women are the most beautiful women I've ever seen. They shine from an inner peace and compassion that is sadly lacking in most of us. When I die, I hope to be looking at the face of such a beautiful woman.
9
The best mankind has to offer.
6
Having recently lost my mom to cancer, I would have so appreciated this type o option, especially because our choices were terrible. First of all, she did not qualify for hospice care until she was almost incoherent. She could have used the help and care while she was aware and awake. So the fact that they accept patients "too early" to be called hospice is absurd aNd exactly what patients and their families need. Insurance would not cover the 24 hour care she required. The financial stress it caused her at the end ofer life makes me fee awful. I wish my mom could have spent he final weeks of life at a place like this.
These women are wonderful.
These women are wonderful.
5
The real leaders of their Church.
10
My family was blessed to have these beautiful women care for my husband in the final days of his life. The day we brought him to Rosary Hill I was greeted by a Sister who said "you have done your work now let us do ours. We are going to care for your husband as if Jesus were to walk thru our doors and we could say Lord look what we have done." They cared for him and prepared us. Their extraordinary example of love set the foundation for my children to follow in their footsteps. Today my daughter is a religious sister and my son is now in seminary studying to be a priest. God bless these beautiful women.
10
Our uncle was at Rosary Hill for ten months before he died. In that time he became a cherished member of the community. The Christmas dinner that was celebrated while he was there was one of the most joyous events I have ever attended. The dinner was provided by a restaurant in the neighborhood and included their wait staff, food, wine and beer. The sisters provided the entertainment including a wonderful rendition of "who's on first". A truly remarkable, grace filled place.
9
Thank you for this article. It helps to end the awful and stereotypical portrayal of nuns we see too often in film, television and theater.
8
For those who choose to die this way, they are wonderful caregivers. But I wish the Catholic Church would stop trying to prevent me from choosing euthanasia when I no longer want to endure the indignity and pain of the dying process.
1
It's not the Catholic Church, but all religions, that prevent euthanasia and assisted suicide. It's the law.
I want assisted suicide, but that has nothing to do with this article about hospice care.Some patients want hospice care,
a few want assisted-suicide.
Let's elect people who can change the law, so a person can choose.
I want assisted suicide, but that has nothing to do with this article about hospice care.Some patients want hospice care,
a few want assisted-suicide.
Let's elect people who can change the law, so a person can choose.
7
Several years ago, I was fortunate to help my brother die. No, I did not assist with suicide; instead, I helped him by talking to him about how his life had good parts, singing songs we had heard from our Mom all our lives, and helping him to forgive himself - and us. He had suffered serious mental illness for years, and I tried to communicate to him that the place he was approaching would be much more peaceful, and to not be afraid.
Instinctively, I did what I thought would give him peace - much as the Sisters of the article (and the video cited in another response.) After five days of slipping ever-deeper into his coma, he died so softly, that we didn't recognize it right away.
Being with him for that time was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
Instinctively, I did what I thought would give him peace - much as the Sisters of the article (and the video cited in another response.) After five days of slipping ever-deeper into his coma, he died so softly, that we didn't recognize it right away.
Being with him for that time was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
15
What a lovely article ! After 67 days at Calvary Hospice in the Bronx, my mom had defied the odds, and in a place that people generally check in but not out she actually moved on, to Rosary Hill, which, my sister miraculously found . Along with a serendipitous family connection, my mom began to feel better. So much so that, after a month or so, she was able to stand up, and walk. She enjoyed the beautiful grounds, and even was able to go on mini outings to Katonah. But what I really love and loved were the sisters of Rosary Hill. Their relentless unconditional love and care for my mom provided her what I would say was a year of miraculous intercession and grace. I have almost never seen her happier . These sisters are like rock stars to me, Sister Theresa Marie was her main caregiver, sister Stella Mary and sister Regina Marie, were, (all of the sisters) , are like beacons of quiet hope in a world saturated with the noise of self absorbtion. How fortunate I feel I am to know them personally and to have witnessed their sacrifice and kindness. They provided my mom's last days with dignity , hope, and true happiness. Surely , their work will help insure the case for Sister Mary Alphonsa's beatification for this extraordinary order . May God Bless them , and keep them , all the days of their lives.
15
It's utterly lovely to see kindness and understanding. It's not surprising that the people who dispense it are women, just as are most nurses.
10
Thank you for these beautiful portraits.
9
Thank you for sharing with us these pictures and the work and dedication of these amazing women that live their faith so intensely and truthfully! An inspiration for all of us! May God always bless and give them strength!
10
Most feel a responsibility to look down on Catholics, particularly the priests that stray. They love to bring this up as if clergy from other religions do not engage in similar or worse activities. But the truth is Catholics have the most efficient institutions. Catholic schools offer the best instruction. Catholic hospitals offer the best care. And these institutions are available to everyone without judgement or religious demands or bias (unlike evangelicals who claim everybody who doesn't pay for their mega churches will go to hell). Thank you Rosary for offering this kind and dignified end of live care.
8
This is why I love the Catholic Church - not because of the Pope, or the pomp or anything else. But because there are people like these nuns, doing this type of work in relative obscurity and poverty, but inspired by Christ to serve the suffering. Their faces in the photos are filled with joy and love. To say they are inspirational is a weak understatement.
23
How shameful is it that what the Sanctuary the nuns provide is considered to be rare? Why isn't it as common as a a drive thru McDonald's? outpatient clinics or shopping malls? Our country is so rich and powerful yet we fail to give so many (and their families) the dignity they deserve as they pass on.
In our country where corporations are people and state governments fight over who can use a bathroom, there are so many important priorities that are ignored.
In our country where corporations are people and state governments fight over who can use a bathroom, there are so many important priorities that are ignored.
18
In 1986 my little sister, Annie, went to Rosary Hill Home to live out her final days. Having entered no longer able to speak or move, Annie rebounded thanks to their loving care and was able to take a ride to witness her best friend's wedding and celebrated her 26th birthday with family and friends. Since then I have returned to Rosary Hill each year to bring pumpkin pies on Thanksgiving for the feast they host for the families of the residents as a token of my gratitude for the gift of time that they gave us. Although thirty years have passed, the tender loving care remains the same. These women who have dedicated their lives to celebrating each of the final moments of so many who suffer are heroes in every sense of the word. I will remain forever grateful!
26
All the thanks in the world does not express the gratitude I have for the hospice home in St. Paul, MN (Our Lady of Peace) that cared for my husband and me as he was dying. Laub states it perfectly -- it was a place of living, a place that allowed us to live as a family until my husband's final breath. I am a documentary filmmaker, and made a short film about Our Lady of Peace so that they could raise money. If anyone is interested, the link is here. https://vimeo.com/41073565
92
Do take a moment to watch the video.
I hope I may die among friends.
I hope I may die among friends.
1
Gorgeous. Thank you.
Your video was lovely.
2
My father was cared for and died in the Hawthorne Dominicans' first hospice that opened in lower Manhattan in the 1950s. Discharged from Sloan-Kettering as "terminal" my mother had heard of and applied to the new hospice. The reason for the delay in opening was rumored to have been the Sisters' unwillingness to pay a bribe for a license to administer narcotics. This rumor was allowed to circulate, maybe even in news stories. The license was granted.
And while the little hospice operated on a shoestring, using donated linens and doing their own plumbing as well as nursing, they never accepted even a donation from my mother after my fathers' death.
And while the little hospice operated on a shoestring, using donated linens and doing their own plumbing as well as nursing, they never accepted even a donation from my mother after my fathers' death.
60
Blessings & peace to these lovely women for caring for hearts & souls as the body fades. The nuns must be such a comfort to their guests and the families.(Maybe a donation would earn some good Karma? I'll try) With appreciation, from a nurse, cg
61
Oh to leave this world with such care and kindness - so few receive that now. Wonderful piece.
88
How beautiful. Thank you for sharing the story of these nuns who understand the dignity of every life.
76
I agree Laura Giles! I agree...
2