Inspired by Faith.
Committed to Service.

Continuing the legacy of Eileen O’Connor through acts of kindness and care.

“The cause of a person’s poverty is not yours to question. 
The fact a person is poor is the reason you help”.

EILEEN O’CONNOR

For more than 100 years, Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor - fondly known as the Brown Nurses - has performed a unique ministry of healthcare, advocacy and friendship for the sick poor and disadvantaged.

  • The Eileen O'Connor Centre

    Step into the story through our new centre, which offers a closer connection to Eileen O’Connor’s life and legacy, featuring significant items and historical materials that reflect her enduring mission.

    Book a visit to the centre

  • About Eileen

    Eileen O’Connor, co-founder of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor, devoted her life to caring for the sick and disadvantaged, becoming a beacon of compassion, faith, and resilience in the face of immense personal suffering

    Read more about Eileen

  • News

    Eileen O’Connor’s legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire, as her cause for canonisation progresses and her mission to care for the poor lives on through Our Lady’s Nurses.

    Read updates

  • History

    Explore the rich history of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor - from humble beginnings in early 20th-century Sydney to a lasting mission of care, compassion, and community.

    Learn More

A Sacred Beginning by the Sea

Explore the sacred beginnings of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor, where Eileen O’Connor’s legacy of faith and service took root in the heart of Coogee.

VISITING THE EILEEN OCONNOR CENTRE

The Eileen O’Connor Centre is open
Tuesday and Thursdays
from 9.30am - 2.00pm
An appointment is needed to confirm your visit.

VISITING OUR LADY’S HOME

Visitors to Our Lady’s Home are welcome 9.30 am to 12 noon and 1pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday only and closed weekends.
We kindly ask you to phone ahead. We also encourage visitors to learn more about the ongoing mission of the Brown Nurses.

EDUCATIONAL AND PARISH VISITS TO THE CENTRE

We warmly welcome visits from schools, parishes, and community groups wishing to learn more about the life and legacy of Eileen O’Connor. the Centre offers a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection and historical insights.

WHAT YOU CAN FIND AT THE EILEEN O’CONNOR CENTRE

  • At The Eileen O’Connor Centre, visitors are invited into a sacred space where Eileen’s life and legacy are brought to life through treasured personal relics.

    You’ll also find devotional objects, photographs, and personal belongings that offer a deeply moving glimpse into her daily life, prayerful spirit, and enduring mission of compassion.

  • This Lars Magnus Ericsson AC100 ‘broom handle’ telephone once sat on the left-hand side of the bed of Eileen.

  • A camera belonging to Eileen - capturing moments of faith, friendship.

  • ASDACS Tony Ayres

    A gold pocket watch, once belonging to Eileen’s father.

  • ASDACS Tony Krawitz

    A symbol of grace and strength, a wheelchair used by Eileen O’Connor.

  • This gift was given to Eileen to commemorate her baptism in 1892.

  • A Military Cross, awarded to Father Edward McGrath, co-founder of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor.

NEWS

Featured
The Eileen O’Connor Centre opens it’s doors.
The Eileen O’Connor Centre opens it’s doors.

On the 26th of May we opened The Eileen O’Connor. The Centre honours the life’s work and legacy of Servant of God, Eileen O’Connor, Fr Timothy Edward “Ted” McGrath MSC and Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor (also known as the Brown Sisters).

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Sharing the story of Eileen
Sharing the story of Eileen

Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor Archivist, Carlos Lopez; OLN Community Liaison, Monica O’Connell; and historian and author, Dr Mary O’Connell, addressed a session of the University of the Third Age (U3A) in Sydney.

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Eileen O’Connor’s birthday celebrated
Eileen O’Connor’s birthday celebrated

Sisters from Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor and the Sisters of Charity joined staff, students and parents of Eileen O’Connor Catholic College, Lewisham, to celebrate the 133rd anniversary of Eileen O’Connor’s birthday.

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Mass of Thanksgiving
Mass of Thanksgiving

More than 300 devotees of Eileen O’Connor attended a Mass of Thanksgiving at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Coogee, to commemorate the 104th anniversary of her death.

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