The redoubtable Sr Ses retires  

Print

  In June, Sister Sesarina Bau retired from St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney at the age of 84.

It was an end of an era. During the past 50 plus years, Sr Ses has worked tirelessly at St Vincent’s caring for everyone in many different roles.

She has been the Supervisor of the Emergency Department, the Nursing Unit Manager of the Surgical Wards, Manager of Outpatients, Manager of the HIV/AIDS Ward and more recently a Patient Liaison Officer in the Intensive Care Unit and the Heart and Lung Clinic.

On top of that, she made time to be a Trustee of the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation and helped guide their fundraising efforts.

Sr Ses’ retirement marks the end of a long and distinguished career which was recognised earlier this year when, along with Sr Anthea Groves and Sr Jacinta Fong, she was awarded the Papal Honour, Croce pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.

Sesarina Bau was a teenager, only 15, when she realised she had a vocation.  She knew she wanted to be free to care for people for God and so a few years later she went into the novitiate of her local Fijian order. Before long, the local Bishop asked some Sisters to go to Australia to study to become teachers, so Sr Ses studied, worked, and arrived at St Vincent’s College in Potts Point.

After reflection and discernment, she felt her calling was pulling her towards nursing so she spoke to Sr Mary Sarto rsc and Sr Bernice Elphick rsc at St Vincent’s Hospital.  It was agreed she would change her path from teaching to nursing.

Since that Sr Ses, worked tirelessly at St Vincent’s caring. Her final role a St Vincent’s meant working with nursing staff to provide guidance to patients, families and staff when needed, especially in the Intensive Care Unit and the Heart and Lung Clinic.

Sr Ses explained: “I have now found freedom in religious life that I would not have found in a more conventional life in Fiji. I have been able to serve God and the sick in different places across the Asia Pacific including the Solomon Islands, East Timor and in refugee camps in Thailand and Kampuchea.”

Read alos — Sr Sesarina Bau: ICU at St Vincent’s Sydney

Research from various sources, including St Vincent’s Curran Foundation.

 

THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
When we have so much to praise the Lord for, we must not complain.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
True affection is to rejoice in the happiness of our dear ones. Never allow a sentiment of resentment to enter into our hearts.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Pray, reflect and consult – and may the divine spirit direct all to God’s greater glory.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
May our dear Lord Jesus fill your hearts with His own love. Amen!
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We must have patience with others as He has patience with us.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Under every difficulty try to pray fervently.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We have much to thank Him for, even for those little drawbacks on our comforts and conveniences.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Do pray that justice may be accomplished in peace and that truth may prevail.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Go on now as steadily as you can, relying on the Divine assistance and fear not.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
What we do ought to be done well.

The Sisters of Charity acknowledge the First Peoples and traditional custodians of this land where we live. We respect, value and honour their history, culture and spirituality. We are committed to standing in solidarity and to actively working for justice, peace and harmony in this land.

Ask a Question

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact us
Level 7, 35 Grafton Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
Australia

T: (02) 9367 1222