Celebrating 50 years of Miguel House
One of the great success stories of the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta, was celebrated in style on Saturday November 26th with a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of Miguel House in Castletown.
It was a day when Brothers and staff came together to remember five decades of the nursing home that has become central to the care of retired Brothers in Ireland.
Although Miguel House was officially opened on Founder’s Day, May 15th, 1971, the restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic meant a delay in marking the jubilee celebration.
The day began with Mass in the chapel and was followed by a drinks reception, where Brothers, staff and friends were given the chance to catch up. It was also an opportunity to remember old friends who have passed on to their eternal reward, with photos of late Brothers displayed prominently.
A recording outlining the importance of Miguel House and tributes paid to the staff by Br. Stephen Deignan and Br. Pat Gorman, was played during the reception.
Br. Martin Curran invited all to a special lunch, which was attended by Brother Visitor, Ben Hanlon, along with Auxiliary Visitors, Michael Curran and Tommy Walsh.
Br Ben paid tribute to all those who had helped make Miguel House a reality and singled out Br. Maurice Kirk who, as the Visitor in 1970, had the foresight to commence the project that has proven so beneficial to the order.
He also thanked the staff for their continued efforts over the years and acknowledged that their care has made such a difference to the lives of the Brothers, and pointing out that they would not have received the same attention in any other facility.
A memorable day concluded with music, with many of the Brothers taking part in a sing-song afterwards.
A facility to be proud of – Teresa Cleere
When the Brothers met in Feb 1970 to discuss the future care of their Brothers they had great foresight in planning a care community development in Castletown. On May 15th 1971 that care community was officially opened by Bishop Birch and it was named Miguel House. Its main function was to cater for the needs of the ageing Brothers both in Ireland and abroad. The Sisters of Christian Schools under the guidance of Mother M Genevieve came on board to care for the Brothers.
Many years have since passed and many Brothers have come through the doors of Miguel House to receive care. The Brothers continue to come and the exemplary care continues. Many Brothers gave their time managing Miguel House. Many changes and extensions were added over the years.
One big change for Miguel House was my appointment in December 2006 as the first lay manager. Over all the years one aspect never changed and that was the wonderful care provided by the staff and the wonderful atmosphere that prevails to this day. Over the years, Miguel House has been privileged to have had a wonderful committed staff who care for the Brothers like their own families.
Many staff are on the staff-roll for well over 20 years and only recently one member of the staff, Kathleen Byrne, retired after 50 years of service in Miguel House. That must be a record in anyone’s books. Nurse Maureen Cuddy was the first Nurse appointed in Miguel House followed soon after by Anne Dollard both are still serving on the staff to this day. Doctor Paddy O’Dwyer and his father before him provided a fantastic medical service over many years. Dr Paddy only retired in recent years.
The fears and the unknown territory of Covid-19 were felt in Miguel just like it was felt in every Nursing Home in Ireland. We fought to be guided by the HSE and public health and we were very grateful to be taken under their wing eventually. The sacrifices and the commitment made by staff came to the fore during this time. Many staff filled voids in rosters at a moment’s notice leaving their own families at home. The staff put Miguel house first which I and the resident Brothers were very grateful for during these uncertain times.
Miguel House continues to flourish today. Long may the wonderful care and lovely friendly atmosphere continue. The Brothers back in 1970 had a vision which certainly came to fruition in Miguel House. The support given to Miguel House by the many different Directors, Provincial Visitors, Bursars and their committees combined with great staff over the years have made Miguel House what it is today and that is a top-class care home which the Brothers and staff can and should be proud of.
Celebrating 50 Years of Miguel House – Br Ben Hanlon
Care for the sick and dying Brothers of the District of Ireland during the first half of the 20th century, was provided in the local community and also in the Holy Family Community here in Castletown. It was limited and sometimes patchy and similar to the care provision for the vast majority of elderly people in the Ireland of the time.
In the late nineteen sixties Br Maurice Kirk was appointed Visitor. He was a far-seeing man and more importantly, because he had been novice master in Castletown, he appreciated the great need for an entirely different approach to care. He was supported by his secretary Br Bernard O Donovan, what had been Director of the Holy Family community and who was all too keenly aware of the need for change.
They embarked on an ambitious project: Miguel House. They might well have tried to renovate their existing quarters, but they chose not to. Instead they decided to create a purpose built care centre, which they could barely afford and which was unique in the area of care provision at the time. Even today, many religious order and congregations regret that they lacked the foresight, vision and courage to do what Br Maurice did in building Miguel House. Perhaps the lesson for all of us is to have the same bravery in our own time.
But buildings are mere empty shells and while they might help in providing care, they certainly don’t guarantee it. The presence of the Sisters of Christian Education at the outset of this new facility, was key to its ultimate success. The highest standards were set in terms of medical care, atmosphere, staffing, attention to the Brothers and all aspects of top class care. In the meantime things have changed and progressed with two new wings being completed and also with the appointment of a fulltime professional manager.
In 2022 the level of care has grown to new levels. As Brothers we are immensely grateful to all the staff for their dedication, commitment, kindness and professionalism. We take this opportunity to thank you for the love and loyalty you have shown us over the last five decades. You are very special people for us at a very significant time in our lives and our prayer is that the Lord will reward you for your great goodness.
None of us can foretell the future but our hope is that Miguel House will continue to provide top class care for many decades to come. Our founding inspiration caused us to take a courageous step fifty years ago and no doubt we will continue to respond to the signs of the times so that unique atmosphere and standard of care experienced at Miguel House can be accessed and enjoyed by those who need it for another half century.