In the spring of 1893, Jablonec received two new developments: a new district hospital was opened during a modest ceremony. At that time, it had one hundred and thirty beds and several pavilions, making it one of the best-equipped hospitals in Bohemia. The city also welcomed seven Sisters of Borromeo, members of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Saint Charles Borromeo, who took care of patients at the newly built hospital and subsequently served there for more than fifty years.
Prior to the arrival of the Sisters of Borromeo in Jablonec, negotiations took place regarding the terms of their service, which later resulted in a contract being signed between the city and the congregation. Each sister was not to receive more than 60 gold crowns per year for her work, and she was entitled to very simple accommodation, food, and clean laundry. The staff also included doctors, a porter with an annual salary of 300 gold crowns, three male nurses, three junior caregivers, two maids, and three other support staff. In the first year of operation, the hospital treated 1400 patients. In 1897, two more Sisters of Borromeo were hired, in addition to other staff. That same year, Sister Benedicta Brinz was appointed as the head nurse after the temporary head nurse, Sister Regina Basel, resigned at her own request.
The general district hospital was not only a workplace for the Sisters of Borromeo but also a place to celebrate Mass. In April 1893, Father Gustav Kügler, the Jablonec dean, received permission from the diocesan consistory to consecrate the hospital chapel. The altar should not be too heavy due to the portable tabernacle. At the dean's request, the service of the word was often held in the chapel. Mass was celebrated at least once a week (even during the summer holidays).
In conclusion, this rather descriptive article may leave readers wondering: "So what?" After all, the Sisters of Borromeo have not been working in Jablonec for quite some time... Personally, I believe that a suitable perspective to make this text more meaningful is gratitude. Gratitude to the sisters for their service and sacrifices. Who knows? Perhaps thanks to them, our perpetually nervous great-great-uncle, who was kicked in the face by his nervous horse, went to eternity not only cared for but also at peace with God.
Sabina Dočekalová
