Mary Anne Cosgrave facts for kids

Mother Patrick Mary Anne Cosgrave (born May 22, 1863 – died July 31, 1900) was an amazing Irish nun. She was a Dominican sister who became a brave pioneer nurse in a place called Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). She also helped start schools and was a leader (prioress) in her religious order.

Early Life and Calling

Mary Anne Cosgrave was born in Summerhill, County Meath, Ireland, on May 22, 1863. She was one of four children in her family. Her father, James Cosgrave, worked for the Royal Irish Constabulary. Both of her parents sadly passed away from a sickness called tuberculosis when she was very young.

After her parents died, Mary Anne and her sister went to live with a relative in County Wexford. She went to school at the Loreto convent in Enniscorthy. She finished her schooling when she was 15 years old.

In 1880, Mary Anne met Bishop James David Ricards. He was looking for young women to join the Dominican convent in King William's Town, South Africa. Inspired by his words, 16-year-old Mary Anne traveled to King William's Town. She joined the order on January 19, 1881, and took the name Sister Patrick. She taught at the convent school there, and also in other towns like East London and Potchefstroom.

A Pioneer Nurse and Educator

In 1889, Sister Patrick answered a special request. A Jesuit leader, Fr A. Daignault, asked for volunteers to help set up hospitals. These hospitals would care for people with the British South Africa Company's pioneer column. This group was moving into a new area called Mashonaland.

Sister Patrick was chosen to lead a group of five nuns. They stayed at a base hospital in Macloutsie. She became friends with Colonel Edward Pennefather, who was in charge of the column.

In July 1891, the sisters traveled to Fort Salisbury in Mashonaland. Major Arthur Glyn Leonard described Sister Patrick as a "young Irish woman with a pretty brogue." He admired her kind and noble spirit.

Building Hospitals and Schools

Once in Salisbury, Sister Patrick quickly organized the first hospital. At first, it was just grass huts and tents. But in 1895, a proper hospital building was constructed. She was known for treating everyone with kindness and for her good humor. She even danced an Irish jig once to cheer up her patients!

In October 1892, she opened the Salisbury convent. This was the very first school for European children in the area. Famous writer Doris Lessing was one of the students who attended this school later on.

After another area called Matabeleland was settled in 1894, Sister Patrick also helped set up a hospital there. She also helped establish St George's College for Boys in Bulawayo.

Recognition and Leadership

In 1896, during some local uprisings, Sister Patrick bravely went with relief groups to Gwelo. She helped organize an emergency hospital there. For her courage and service, she was given the British South Africa Company Medal.

In 1898, the Dominican sisters in Rhodesia became an independent group. Sister Patrick traveled to England to find new members for their order. During this trip, she received the Royal Red Cross award. When she returned to Southern Rhodesia, she was chosen as the prioress, or leader, of the Dominican order.

Death and Lasting Legacy

Mother Patrick Mary Anne Cosgrave passed away on July 31, 1900. She died in the very hospital she had helped to create. Her funeral was the largest European funeral held in the territory at that time. She was buried in the pioneer section of Salisbury Cemetery.

After her death, Sir Charles Coghlan led a yearly trip to her grave on St Patrick's Day. A tall granite Celtic cross, designed by Hugh Scott, marks her grave. It was unveiled on March 17, 1903.

The original hospital building she founded, which was a simple prefabricated hut, is now a museum. It is dedicated to her memory. Mother Patrick was also honored on a series of stamps in the 1970s, which featured pioneers of Rhodesia.