Part of a treasury of recent memories, Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Sarah Bertler was honored by a unique ritual for nurses. It happened at the time of her death.
In 2005 the Wisconsin Nurses Association adopted the special tribute called the Nightingale Tribute. This tribute pays honor to the services and dedication of the deceased nurse. Indeed, Sister Sarah served humbly in various capacities in health care. Dear to her heart was the opportunity to work with students nurses. The tribute begins with lighting a single white candle, a reading of the nurse’s career, and a short prayer. The white rose is then placed in the casket or given to the family. The tribute was originally developed by the Kansas State Nurses Association. This simple, yet beautiful ritual happened in our own convent wake room among family, friends and Sisters that knew Sister Sarah. The rose was later placed at the tabernacle in fitting honor to the Divine healer of souls.Is God calling you to be a Sister nurse, sharing compassion with those in need? We invite you to consider our discernment retreats.