The congregation leader for the Sisters of St. Martha says after 30 years of sponsoring the only Catholic hospital in the province, it was time to walk away.
It was announced just days ago that the congregation would no longer sponsor St. Martha Regional Hospital in Antigonish ending their mission agreement that has been in place since 1996.
Sister Brendalee tells us they were at the point to really look at their life.
“What is the ministry that’s calling us today? What are the signs of the future? What are the cries we’re hearing for gospel hospitality,” explained the Sister.
She says, they felt that it is time for someone, people in the world of health care, to bring “new thinking” and “new energy”, such as Catholic Health International.
“They work on this area of mission and keeping mission in Catholic hospitals alive. So, we felt really good about them,” says the Sister.
However, the province decided to not go with a new sponsor but instead have St. Martha’s services and policies be in line with every other hospital in Nova Scotia.
As a faith-based hospital, St. Martha’s does not offer things like abortion or Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
Sister Brendalee says she understands that these policies are unique, but it’s disappointing that the province is going in a different direction.
“Why not be different? What’s wrong with different? It’s the only [Catholic hospital] in the whole of Nova Scotia,” adds the Sister.
Sister Brendalee says she has had a lot of people reach out over the news, many who call St. Marth’s a blessing.
“Found that what it offers is so unique and is good, they are expressing their disappointment,” says Sister Brendalee.
She says the government has to own that they’re choosing to have everything the same.
“That’s a value, that’s their value. But I want the truth out there that we do have somebody in readiness that could do this well, but the government are not going that route.”
But she thinks the mission will live on.
“I truly feel that presence of that care and dignity of person is going to be in the walls and in the people that work there for years to come, no matter who is at the head of the hospital.”
