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Cabrini Spotlights Maureen Bennett
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In the mid-1990s Maureen pursued a Master’s degree in Asian studies. She went to Taiwan on a scholarship and studied Mandarin. It was during this time that she discovered the International Red Cross. Maureen relates, “The International Red Cross inspired me because of the possibility of travelling to interesting places while also being able to be of service to those in need. Helping those who are suffering is something that has always been a part of me.” With the International Red Cross, Maureen has worked in Northern Kenya as a surgical nurse caring for war wounded Sudanese; in Ethiopia, Myanmar and Afghanistan as a health delegate visiting prisoners and hospitals; as a head nurse in Juba South Sudan and most recently in Israel and Palestinian Territories visiting Ministry of Health surgical hospitals monitoring that patients are able to receive emergency life saving treatment if needed. Maureen says that Mother Cabrini’s missionary spirit which attracted her to the MSCs speaks to her heart. She sees her work with the International Red Cross as a continuation that missionary spirit - helping those in need, often where there is no one else to care for them. No matter where Maureen finds herself she feels she is called to be a bearer of God’s love in the world, a call which she tries to live in her personal and professional life. When asked about the challenges she encounters in her work she cites the constant change in colleagues, the inevitable letting go at the end of a mission, in addition to living in areas that are physically difficult – very hot or cold, remote and without amenities many of us might take for granted such as television, hairdressers, restaurants, etc. Her joys are many. Meeting people and making friends top the list. Her faith gives her great personal joy. Professionally, she loves being a nurse and she would encourage young people to enter the field of nursing. She reflects, “There is much suffering everywhere in the world, and as Christians we are called to help alleviate that suffering wherever we can…I find that while I try to help others, I also receive so much from my work, whether in Australia or overseas.” It is clear that Maureen carries the missionary spirit of Frances Cabrini in that she remains ready to respond to those in need wherever that need may arise. |
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