Hanly, Sr. Christina


Hanly, Sr. Christina

Nationality: Irish
Congregational Register No. 89
D.O.B. 26.12.1908
First Profession 02.07.1945
Died: 24.11.2001 Aged: 92 years

Christina was born in Palleskenry, County Limerick. On leaving school, she worked with her aunt in a draper’s shop and did dress making at home.

She also did a short course in domestic science. Christina entered MMM in 1943, and after initial formation, her first assignment in 1946 was as Sister-in-charge of the small MMM community assigned as housekeepers in St. Patrick’s College, Kiltegan. Throughout her life she was a great cook and had a prized recipe book, which passed to her niece after her death.

In 1947 Sr. Christina was assigned to Tanzania, one of three pioneer sisters in what was then Tanganyika. After the initial trial period, MMM began work in Dareda, building up a training hospital there. It was Sr. Christina who planned the missions and buildings in Dareda and later in Makiungu and Namanyere. Christina’s life work was mainly centred around Makiungu Hospital, from its beginnings in 1953 right up to 1987 when she retired back to Ireland. She also worked for seven years in Namanyere, Region of Sumbawanga. She was a founding member of that community. Christina was noted for her quiet but methodical pattern of work. She rarely talked about what she was doing but achieved a great deal! She was practical with an abundance of common sense. She could mix cement, lay floors and then turn out a delicious meal! She also had a droll sense of humour. Her special concern was with the lay volunteer helpers, for whom she showed much motherly concern, and the young priests arriving in the missions for the first time.

On retirement in Drogheda, Christina was actively involved in community activities until ill health prevented her further engagement. In 1994 she became one of the first Sisters to go to the newly opened Áras Mhuire.

Her death in 2001 came quietly, and she is buried In the MMM plot in Drogheda.


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