To Bind Up the Wounds: Catholic Sister Nurses in the U.S. Civil War

by Mary D. Maher, Mary D. Maher

The contributions of more than six hundred Catholic nuns to the care of Confederate and Union sick and wounded made a critical impact upon nineteenth-century America. Not only did thousands of soldiers directly benefit from the religious sisters' ministrations, but both professional nursing and Catholics' acceptance within mainstream society advanced significantly as a result. In To Bind Up the Wounds, Sister Mary Denis Maher writes this heretofore neglected Civil War chapter in rich detail, telling a riveting story shot with suspicion and prejudice, suffering and self-sacrifice, ingenuity, beneficence, and gratitude.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1989

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I finished this book eight years ago, I wrote: "I found this little gem in a bookstore in a San Antonio when I was looking (unsuccessfully) for a Catholic children's book on the Alamo or Texas or San Antonio. God does not always give us what we are looking for, but what we need."

This book is a splendid read and interesting from many different vantage points. As a series of snapshots in time it provides a view of the Civil War, mid-nineteen Century Catholic American religious orders, the beginnings of American nursing and perspectives on Catholic/Protestant relations. While it doesn't purport to be the last word on any of these subjects, it is concerned with all of them.

Two points in the sister's favor which might come as a surprise: 1.) As Catholics they were sometimes preferred over priests by officers (due to prejudice) and allowed to visit camps and tend to the spiritual as well as medical needs of sick prisoners. (p. 81) 2.) As women they were often preferred over other female nurses who were often more of a nuisance than a help. (p. 79) The sisters not only demonstrated the ability to adjust more quickly, accept whatever circumstances they encountered and deal with extremes in pain and suffering, they also had a different underlying motivation which sustained them. They were clean, efficient, organized, trustworthy, unflappable in the face of danger and quickly earned the love and respect of the men they served.

A real eye-opener and even if you aren't Catholic a source of quiet pride and "hats off" to these unsung heroines of bygone days. God bless you Sisters!

Most highly recommended!

[Mary Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent, meticulously researched book. on the lives of Sisters during the Civil War. Hardships we all endure but how we handle them is how we will be judged. The training and lifestyle of the Sisters before the war led them to be respected and admired by both sides. Their will to provide compassion and quality overrode any needs for accolades.