After Eileen Kinnarney graduated from college with a degree in nursing, her objective was to use her newly obtained knowledge and skills in the service of the poor. After several years of living her dream of caring for the wellbeing of the less fortunate, she discerned that God has something even more fulfilling in store for her.

"As a lay person serving as a nurse I believed that I had found my true vocation in life and was enjoying every minute of it," said Sister Eileen Kinnarney. "But God had another plan in mind and asked me to go all the way and join the Daughters of Charity so I did." Today, some 52 years later, Sister Eileen still finds fulfillment and joy in serving the poor as a chaplain in the spiritual care department at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy, New York.

"My first contact with the Daughters of Charity was actually during nursing school at a hospital run by the Sisters," said Sister Eileen. What struck me about them was that they were so real, so approachable, and their dedication to the sick and the poor inspired me."

After joining the Daughter’s community, Sister Eileen continued her education and earned a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration. Throughout her years as a Daughter she has served in many different areas of healthcare administration.

"I always yearned to get back to the bedside of the sick and poor, offering spiritual care to them and their families,"said Sister Eileen, "and now that’s where I am and I couldn’t be happier."

"My advice to someone looking at religious life is to come and see how we live and be with us," she said. "See for yourself the reality of community life and apostolic work," she added. "You’ll know very quickly if it’s right for you."