Anna Gaynor facts for kids

Anna Gaynor (also known as Mother Mary John) was an Irish nun who lived from 1826 to 1899. She was a member of the Religious Sisters of Charity, a group of nuns dedicated to helping others. Anna Gaynor became the very first leader (called 'superior') of Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross, Dublin. This hospice was a special place that cared for people who were very ill.

Anna Gaynor's Early Life

Anna Gaynor was born in Athlone, Ireland, on March 17, 1826. Her parents were John and Anne Gaynor. She grew up with four sisters and one brother. One of her sisters, Sarah, became a well-known writer. Sarah even wrote a book about Mary Aikenhead, who started the Religious Sisters of Charity.

When Anna was 12, her family moved to Dublin. She later finished her schooling in Germany. After returning to Dublin, Anna enjoyed spending time with her friends. She also followed her parents' example by visiting and helping people who were poor.

Becoming a Nun

As a teenager, Anna felt a strong desire to join a religious order. However, she found it hard to leave her family and friends. In November 1854, she decided to become a novice (a beginner nun) at the Religious Sisters of Charity convent in Harold's Cross. In May 1857, she officially became a nun and was known as Sister Mary John. Her sister, Marcella, also joined the same order.

Anna Gaynor's Work and Career

Anna Gaynor's first job as a nun was at St. Vincent's University Hospital. She worked as a secretary to the head nun and welcomed visitors to the hospital. She stayed in this role for 19 years.

In 1876, the head nun, Mother Scholastica Margison, moved to Harold's Cross. Anna Gaynor went with her to continue working as her secretary. A few years later, in 1878, Anna helped her sister Sarah. Sarah was writing a book about Mother Mary Aikenhead, and Anna helped her gather information. The book was published in 1879 and was very popular.

Starting Our Lady's Hospice

In September 1879, the main training center for new nuns moved from Harold's Cross to Milltown. This left an empty building in Harold's Cross. It was decided that this building would become a hospice, a place for people who were very sick and dying. Anna Gaynor was chosen to lead the creation of this new hospice.

Some of the first patients at the hospice were suffering from a serious lung disease called tuberculosis. The staff included a governess, a shoemaker, two servants, and an older woman who managed the rooms. The hospice officially opened on December 9, 1879. The Freeman's Journal newspaper wrote about the opening, saying it was "truly a work of the noblest charity."

Anna Gaynor made sure every bed was filled with patients who needed care. Soon, more space was needed. To get more room, a lot of fundraising was necessary. Anna wrote detailed reports about the hospice's needs, its costs, and the money it received from donations. She made sure the patients had good food, comfort, and support. She also oversaw many improvements and expansions to the hospice's buildings.

Anna Gaynor's Death and Legacy

Anna Gaynor passed away on March 5, 1899, after being ill for a year. She is buried in the convent cemetery in Donnybrook, Dublin. Today, a part of Our Lady's Hospice, called Anna Gaynor House, is named in her honor. This shows how important her work was in caring for the sick.