Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question?
Whether you're planning a visit, learning about Eileen O’Connor, or exploring the history of Our Lady’s Home, we’ve gathered some common questions to help guide your experience. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to help.

  • Eileen O’Connor (1892–1921) was a young Australian woman of deep Catholic faith who, despite lifelong suffering from spinal illness, co-founded Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor to serve the sick and poor in their homes. She is now a Servant of God on the path to sainthood.

  • The Centre is located within the grounds of Our Lady’s Home in Coogee, Sydney — the original site of Eileen’s ministry and the place where she lived, prayed, and died.

  • The Centre exists to honour and preserve the life, mission, and legacy of Eileen O’Connor. It’s a sacred space for prayer, reflection, learning, and connection to Eileen’s ongoing story.

  • Visitors will find Eileen’s preserved bedroom (now a chapel), her wheelchair and personal items, historical displays, photographs, and artefacts from the early days of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor.

  • Yes, but all visits must be requested in advance. As the Centre is within a private residential community, we ask that visitors register to help us manage entry respectfully.

  • The Centre is open for registered visitors Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am – 2:00pm. Please ensure you request your visit.

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  • Yes, school excursions and parish pilgrimages are warmly welcomed. Visits can be tailored to suit group needs and provide spiritual and educational enrichment.

  • Yes. Please let us know any accessibility requirements when requesting your visit so we can make suitable arrangements.

  • Our Lady’s Home is the original residence where Eileen O’Connor lived and where the Brown Nurses began their ministry. Today, it is still home to the Sisters and is part of the Centre grounds.

  • The Brown Nurses are a modern continuation of the ministry Eileen co-founded. Today they serve disadvantaged individuals and communities in the spirit of compassion, dignity and practical care.

  • No. Visiting is free, though donations are welcome to help preserve the Centre and support the ongoing work of the Sisters and Brown Nurses.

  • You can support the work through prayer, financial donations, volunteering, or simply by spreading the word about Eileen’s mission and legacy.