Anyone who knows Saint Patrick's hospital and hospice as I do will appreciate the wonderful work carried out there by nurses and doctors.
For many people, going to work can be something to enliven the day. Yet at Saint Patrick's in Cork all the medical staff reporting for duty are only too aware that each day people with terminal illnesses are awaiting them.
The staff at the hospice specialise in coping not only with the changing needs of patients but with the needs of their families. They do it with unfailing good humour and courtesy, never forgetting the dignity of the people in their care.
In my personal experience, a family vigil was made more bearable because staff had seen it all before and knew how to cope.
The hospice made contact to know if I could mention its theme this Christmas, "The Joy of Remembrance; the Millennium Light up a Life."
They call it a celebration of life, in keeping with the wonderful ethos of the hospice for which people all over Munster have come to be thankful.
There is an organisation called the Friends of Saint Patrick's Hospital and Hospice.
Some weeks ago, a 30-foot Christmas tree was illuminated in the grounds of the hospice by thousands of lights. The Sisters of Charity, who run both hospital and hospice, asked people to sponsor a light for £5. So far, £13,000 has been raised. All of this will go towards the improvement of patient and family care.
Sister Augustine, who is part of the fundraising effort, points out that subscriptions have not closed. If there are individuals, business people or corporations who want to help, their donations will be received with deep gratitude.
St Patrick's began its work 129 years ago in Cork.
A novena of Masses will be offered for those who have passed away and for all those associated with the hospice until January 6th.