Sister, Soldier, Surgeon: The Life and Courage of Sister Deirdre Byrne, M.D.

by Leisa Marie Carzon

Meet a modern-day Joan of Arc. Whether in scrubs, camouflage, or a religious habit, Sr. Dede Byrne, in her threefold calling as a professed religious sister, renowned surgeon, and U.S. Army colonel, inspire us to both virtue and action.

If the apostles had remained hidden in the Upper Room, we would never have a Church today. Similarly, Sister’s inspirational life serves as a call to emerge from the safety of the Upper Room and enter the public square to courageously infuse culture with an unapologetic defense of Christ’s beauty, truth, and goodness.

Whether saving lives on battlefields or outside the doors of abortion clinics, this exciting narrative offers a rare glimpse into the life of a contemporary heroine who dedicates herself to care of the poor, love of God and country, and an unwavering defense of the unborn. These exhilarating pages

Sister’s journey in discerning and living her vocational calling and her personal vow of
providing free and loving medical care to the poorHer heroic national keynote address that took the nation by storm and embodied the
essence of courageously living one’s faith in the public squareThe moral prescriptions required for remaining in the state of grace and attaining eternal
lifeThe impactful way Sister proposes Christ to everyone she meets with fearless abandon and
determined love
Sr. Dede ministered at Ground Zero on September 11, served as St. Mother Teresa’s personal physician, was deployed as a surgeon to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom, facilitated the rescue of citizens hiding from the Taliban, and travels regularly to the war-torn Nuba Mountains in Sudan to provide life-saving medical care to inhabitants under siege.

Dubbed “the Mother Teresa of D.C.,” Sr. Dede continues to provide medical care to the marginalized from her convent basement clinic and administer the abortion pill reversal procedure that has resulted in the delivery of more than a dozen healthy babies. At home and abroad, she spreads her message of love and her exhortations for remaining in the state of grace so that we might all attain our eternal end — eternity with God in Heaven.

Genres: Catholic, Biography

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2024

Reviews

[Mariangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The life of Sister Deirdre is a true witness of faith. I had not heard about her before, and it is incredible that a single person has been able to do so much good, both in her military missions to so many countries, as a doctor in the United States, as a nun to all people she encounters during her day, as we follow her in a typical week. Her moral strength and attractive character shines through the book.

I only wish that the writing were better, as this would help in expanding the readership. An editor would have helped avoid numerous repetitions, and in several instances the book says "Sister's leadership saved the situation", but we are not told what the situation was (only that there was a problem in the operating room, for example) or what she did exactly.

[Catholic Mom and Daughter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sr. Dede's life is so very inspiring! It was enjoyable to read about all the twists and turns her path has taken. She has served God and country all over the world, and her pro-life work is especially touching. The book was more political in places than I was expecting (not sure it was necessary to revive the whole issue of pandemic masking in this book), but I still enjoyed it.

[Dan Longjohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last quarter of the book was my favorite part. The author simply follows Sister Dede around for a week as she saves lives through abortion reversal procedures, evangelizes calmly, confidently and lovingly to everyone she comes in contact with and courageously defends life and truth, all with an unknowing and unassuming wit and charm that completely disarms people.

An incredible, faithful woman and a likely modern-day saint.

[Barbara Roufa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much appreciated learning about Sister Dede! What an incredibly humble witness to trusting in God's Holy Spirit to guide your life. She is clear and unambiguous in her strong faith and her servant heart. Much of her family history and growing up in that time period resonated with me, also being part of a large Catholic family that was centered around our faith. Reading vignettes about her witness and influence all through her life--and how that witness changed lives--is inspiring, plus a huge nudge that I should follow her lead.
A four instead of a five, because the narrative did jump around, and I sometimes had trouble figuring out when specific experiences happened.
But I am delighted that Leisa Marie Carzon did not pay attention to Sister Dede's request to "wait until I'm dead to write about me"
I've passed on my copy and have recommended it to many young women.

[Rachel Fusselman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the story of this modern day Saint who lives for God’s Will in her life one day at a time.

I give it 4 stars- because the author had to put her little spin on it in the ending chapter when she said “imagine if Sister DeDe would have just stayed in the chapel instead of getting out there” or something like that. Don’t throw shade on prayer. Some of us are called by God to be great ones- but it’s like St. Thérèse says: Others, are called to a powerful life in hidden prayer. Look at Sr. Lucia of Fatima who was called to Carmel after she witnessed the Lady of the Rosary! It’s not about action in one certain way and that way only. It’s about action in the Way that God calls each and every one of us differently. And to move when he says move. Even if that means moving slightly in a convent chapel as you shift the rosary in your fingers.

[Maggie Mccarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book as an audio book — don’t. The book itself is probably great, but the audio book version is terrible, it sounds like it’s being read by AI. The words that are pronounced correctly that are complex medical terms, but Catholic Saints and more basic medical terms are mispronounced, it sounds like Siri read it. It really took away from the experience and because they read every referenced website address, I skipped over things that may have otherwise been beneficial. Thankfully, the love and appreciation for Sr. Deedee doesn’t require a whole book

[Diane Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for bringing this story to the mainstream. Sister Dede is a living saint. An example of a life focused and dedicated to the Lord. The story of her life is inspiring & exhausting… but exhibits what we are all capable of being if we follow our truth. The author’s depth of research is as inspiring as Sister Dede’s full life.

The story as written at first is a bit heavy in facts - reading like a text book. But Sister’s story soon captures your heart and mind and the words flow.

Excellent read for all who want to live a life of purpose and peace.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew of Sister Dede from the 2020 Republican National Convention and already deeply respected her. This biography affirmed that respect. I most appreciate reading about her everyday style of evangelizing. She said she doesn't want God to ask when she gets judged: "Why didn't you do more?" It reminds me of that St. Catherine of Siena quote, "Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire."

[Carol Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister Dede is a fascinating person. A catholic sister that is also a surgeon and retired from military service as a colonel. While I’m not sure I agree with everything she believes I have to say she has more guts to speak her truth than I do. You go Sister. Would love to be able to sit down and have a conversation with her.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more uplifting books like these of real people doing really good things.

Here's a full review:
https://www.theepochtimes.com/bright/...

[Rosanne Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING WOMAN

THIS BOOKSHOULD BE READ BY EVERYONE WHO LOVES TRUTH. Sister is amazong in her dedication to those who are forgotten and neglected! She is a woman of courage and faith.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank goodness I finally finished this book. Sister's story is heroic, but I listened to the Audible edition, and the narrator was so sing-song that I could only listen for short periods of time. It was as if she were reading a fairytale to 4-5 year-olds.

[Mary Duda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book could have been so much more. As it is, I feel like I never got to know who Sister is, only what she did. It read as a laundry list of "First she was born, then she went to college, then she went to medical school, then she went to the Army."

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really good, read for St Peter book club and can't wait to meet her and Carzon in February! The last third of the book felt unnecessary, but still great. A living saint that I can't wait to meet.

[KATHLEEN M]

Excellent book. A very dedicated and brave woman.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good and not nearly as dry as I expected

[Clare Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful testimony of love for the Lord!!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of an amazing woman! Sr. Deirdre is such an inspiration for us all!

[Brandy Pelzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring story in an easy-to-read format.

[Rachel Gast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent account of a living saint. Sister D is an exemplary role model for young women, Catholics, doctors and anyone striving to lead a sincere and holy life. Highly recommend this read.

[Nicol Rupolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring book. A true story of passion, growth and the ability to know what you want to do and are here to do. What I loved about this book is that Sister is the same age as me.