A new centre has opened its doors in Coogee to honour one of Australia’s most quietly remarkable women—Eileen O’Connor, the co-founder of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor.
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Known affectionately as the “Little Mother,” O’Connor left behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and service that continues to inspire more than a century after her death.
The Eileen O’Connor Centre, built close to the house where she once lived, invites visitors into her world through a collection of personal relics and thoughtfully recreated living spaces. Her humble possessions—hair combs, crucifixes, even a manicure set—are presented alongside a bed similar to the one she was confined to for most of her life due to a debilitating spinal illness.
Despite her physical suffering and limited access to formal education, O’Connor’s vision led to the creation of a religious and nursing order in 1913 alongside Fr Timothy McGrath. Their mission was simple but radical: to provide free medical care to the poor and housebound of Sydney, regardless of creed or background. The group became known as the Brown Nurses, after their distinctive cloaks and bonnets.
The centre also reflects the growing recognition of O’Connor’s spiritual legacy. Declared a Servant of God by the Vatican in 2018, she is on the formal path to sainthood, with key documentation recently presented in Rome to support her cause.
More than just a museum, the centre was designed to be a space for stillness and reflection, drawing visitors into the depth of O’Connor’s inner life and her profound faith. Light-filled and open in feel, it contrasts with the traditional solemnity of religious museums. The aim is to make her story accessible and meaningful to all—whether devout, curious, or simply seeking a quiet retreat from the pace of daily life.
For those who have followed her cause for many years, the opening of the centre marks an important milestone. It brings O’Connor’s story to the wider public, not only through displays but through an atmosphere that echoes her spirit of quiet resilience and service.
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There are already dreams for the future of the site: plans to create a courtyard and possibly a retreat centre, further opening it up as a sanctuary for prayer, reflection, or simply a moment of pause. As Sydney evolves, this small space in Coogee stands as a reminder of the power of quiet faith and persistent love—a legacy that continues to touch lives, one visitor at a time.
Published 3-June-2025
