| It is my privilege to introduce again
an annual report of the work of Our Lady's Hospice. Our Lady's Hospice, the first of its kind in these western islands, has centered the second century of caring for those with terminal illness. It was first opened in Milltown and its opening was the realization of a long cherished(心中怀着)dream. For years the Sisters(修女)had longed for a place where poor, lonely, friendless dying persons--no longer fit subjects for hospital wards(病房)--could find care, comfort and peacefulness in their last days of life. In December 1879 these hopes were fulfilled when Our Lady's formally welcomed the first patients--35 in number. So great were the applications for admission that six years later the foundation stone of the present Hospice was laid on 18th July 1886 and completed in August 1888. Much has been written about the spirit of the Hospice and much will continue to be written with present increasing interest in the Hospice was opened in a spirit that regarded neither race, nor belief, nor class but looked simply to the need of the person for help and for peace in the last days of life. We hope the same spirit born out of love, care and respect for the dignity and worth of each human person, will comfort all, both patients and their loved ones, who seek our help in the Hospice today. |