Sister Dede Byrne
The National Catholic Register said it well: “Sister Deirdre ‘Dede’ Byrne has worn three uniforms: a surgeon’s scrubs, a soldier’s camouflage, and now, a sister’s habit.”
She served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, in active duty in Afghanistan and later as a reservist. She also served for 13 months in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. As a missionary surgeon, she helped the sick in Kenya, Haiti, Sudan, and Iraq.
After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, she made her way to Ground Zero and spent two days delivering supplies and support to firefighters. After some discernment, she entered the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. She professed her first vows in 2004. She finally retired from the U.S. military in 2009, then professed her final vows in 2011.
Her advice for all people, but especially the young:
- To do all we can to keep in the state of grace. As Catholics, that means participating in confession, Holy Communion and, if possible, adoration.
- Bring as many with you as you can. That means telling the truth to people, even when it’s difficult.
