[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO SISTER MARY EILEEN WILLHELM, RSM

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I rise today to give tribute to 
Sister Mary Eileen Wilhelm, RSM, who has served as the chief executive 
officer at Mercy Medical for more than 36 years. She has led Mercy 
Medical in its mission to care for the sick, the injured, and the dying 
since she took on the role of CEO in 1967. Her passion for healthcare 
has led her to continually do what is best for the patients, the 
residents, and their families.
  Since its founding in 1949 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical has 
been a leader among healthcare providers in Alabama's Mobile Bay area. 
As CEO of Mercy, Sister Mary Eileen has remained focused on continuing 
the healing ministry of Jesus in the compassionate and excellent 
tradition of the Sisters of Mercy. This has helped Mercy grow from a 
small convalescent home by the bay in Daphne, into an integrated 
network of healthcare options throughout southwest Alabama and 
recognized throughout the Nation for its innovative procedures.
  Mercy Medical works with patients of all ages, from the very young to 
the most senior, to maximize their functional abilities and return all 
patients to their highest possible level of wellness. In addition, 
Mercy Medical is renowned for its hospice services, providing quality 
living when individuals face the end of this Earthly existence. Working 
with physicians, interdisciplinary medical teams establish 
individualized treatment plans which direct overall courses of 
intensive therapy, specialized clinical services and/or other patient 
care and activities. Most importantly, the Mercy Medical team always 
ministers to not only the physical needs but offers comfort and healing 
to the spirit as well.
  Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, has 
inspired Sister Eileen to be strong in the face of adversity, calm in 
the midst of crisis, and willing to take risks. This has allowed her to 
lead the Mercy Medical staff to identify and meet the healthcare needs 
of the weak and vulnerable. Additionally, due to her humility, 
tenacity, and commitment, Mercy Medical is recognized as a leader in 
the healthcare community. One of the core values of Mercy Medical is 
the empowerment of women, and Sister Mary Eileen, as an empowered 
woman, has led the fight to eradicate poverty nationally by taking on 
the cause of the poor to our Nation's capital. Indeed, her sincerity 
and power of persuasion, which I have directly felt, is remarkable. It 
is clearly a product of her selfless commitment to her vision for 
others.
  On behalf of the United States Senate and the people of Alabama, I 
would like to recognize Sister Mary Eileen for giving more than 44 
years of love and devotion to the sick, injured, and dying. She has 
been truly a blessing for the people of south Alabama, and her legacy 
will live on forever.

                          ____________________