Catherine Cummins facts for kids

Catherine Cummins, also known as Mother Mary Polycarp (born February 6, 1879 – died November 11, 1967), was an Irish nun. She was a member of the Religious Sisters of Charity. She is best known for helping to start the Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. This hospital helps children and young people with bone and muscle conditions.

Early Life and Becoming a Nun

Catherine Cummins was born in Dublin, Ireland, on February 6, 1879. Her parents were Patrick and Mary Cummins. She grew up in a large family with 12 brothers and sisters. Her father owned several shops in Dublin.

Catherine went to school at the Ursuline convent in Waterford. After finishing school, she returned to Dublin. She often visited the Children's Hospital, Temple Street. This made her very interested in caring for sick children.

In 1898, when she was 19, Catherine decided to become a nun. She joined the Sisters of Charity with her sister, Mary. She entered the convent in Milltown and took the name Polycarp.

Starting a Career in Nursing

On February 19, 1901, Catherine officially became a nun. She went to Temple Street Children's Hospital to train as a children's nurse. By 1913, she became the leader of the Temple Street community of nuns.

During a difficult time in Ireland, Catherine helped people who needed a safe place.

In 1908, the Sisters of Charity received a building called Cappagh House. They decided to turn it into a special hospital. This hospital would help children with bone and muscle problems. It was planned to be an "open-air" hospital, meaning patients would spend time outdoors. Catherine was asked to help get this new hospital ready. She was still leading the Temple Street community at the same time.

Opening Cappagh Hospital

To start the new hospital, three army huts were bought. The children who were staying at Cappagh House went home for Christmas in 1920. This allowed work to begin on the hospital.

The St Mary's Open-air Orthopaedic Hospital officially opened in 1921. In 1924, Cappagh House became the home for the nuns working at the hospital. Mother Mary Polycarp became the superior (leader) there. She had also trained as a special orthopaedic nurse in England. By 1930, Cappagh Hospital was a recognized place for nurses to train.

Education and Innovation at Cappagh

At Cappagh Hospital, children not only received nursing care but also went to school. The school was recognized by the national education board from 1923. Teachers taught the children from their beds. Younger children learned using the Montessori method, which focuses on hands-on learning.

Mother Mary Polycarp was also very creative. She helped start the first group of Invalid Boy Scouts in Ireland at Cappagh. These were Boy Scouts who had physical disabilities.

For a big event in Dublin in 1932, a special platform was built on O'Connell Bridge. It had loudspeakers and glass walls. Mother Mary Polycarp bought this platform for Cappagh Hospital. People jokingly called it "Polly's folly." In December of that year, it was used as the altar for the Christmas mass at the hospital.

Later Life and Legacy

Later in her life, Mother Mary Polycarp worked at St Mary's Hospital in Baldoyle. This hospital also helped children with physical disabilities. She started a fundraising group called the "Little Willie" committee. This group helped pay off the hospital's debts.

She then moved to Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross. Here, she worked to make more space for patients. Her last move was to Linden Convalescent Home in Blackrock.

Mother Mary Polycarp passed away there on November 11, 1967. She is buried in the convent cemetery in Donnybrook. Her work helped countless children and shaped the future of orthopaedic care in Ireland.