Sr Clare Nolan on entering the convent and saving lives

Clare Nolan was 21 years old when she entered the convent, against her mother's wishes, joining the Sisters of Charity novitiate to prepare for life as a nun.

Clare had already completed her training as a nurse, and so she didn't want to join a contemplative order, closed off to the rest of the world.

Clare wanted to take care of the sick and marginalised as a nurse, and as a nun, and so she became a 'walking sister'.

Sister Clare quickly rose up the ranks, becoming the director of nursing at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, right as the HIV/AIDS epidemic reached Australia.

Clare found herself in meetings with politicians, immunologists, brothel workers, gay activists and Catholics, working together to figure out how to save the hundreds of patients who came under her care in Ward 17 South - the first and only dedicated HIV/AIDS ward in the country.

To hear Sr Clare’s story, click here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/sister-clare-nolan-nun-st-vincents-hiv-aids-nurse/105563014

Acknowledgement of Source: ABC Conversations 29 July 2025