Nationality: Irish
Congregational Register No. 389
D.O.B.: 15.04.1909
First Profession: 03.05.1957
Died: 26.04.2004 Aged: 95 years

Johanna (Hanna) Rahilly was born in Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry.  She came from a farming family and had one brother and one sister.  She worked as a waitress in several hotels before entering MMM in October 1955 at the comparatively late age of 46.  In spite of being a late entrant, she was to give many years in the service of God as Sr. Patrick Maria.

She spent all of her professed life in Drogheda, with the exception of a short time in the Apostolic nunciature in Dublin. She worked for many years in the guest department and had great consideration for novices in formation, setting an example of prayerfulness, kindness and patience. For Sisters’ visitors, including those for Mother Mary, who came in great numbers at that time, especially at weekends, she was always welcoming and showed true Benedictine hospitality. Later, when she was supervisor at the chaplains’ and doctors’ residences, she was particularly attentive and made special provision for the priests and doctors on call.

As she became older her hearing and eyesight deteriorated, but her prayerfulness and gentle manner became ever more apparent.  She maintained a keen interest in and enthusiasm for the Gaelic Athletic Association, especially when Kerry was playing!  She also had a great love for her family members. Her siblings predeceased her but her nieces were frequent visitors and often took her for trips and holidays.

She spent her final years in Áras Mhuire, where the staff spoke often of her ‘dignity and graciousness in the acceptance of her disability’. 

Sr. Patrick Maria died peacefully at Áras Mhuire on 26 April 2004.