Imagine starting each day with a sense of purpose so profound that it infuses every task with meaning and joy. This is the daily reality for Sister Bernard Magill, the director of Mission at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital in our Hampton Roads market.
“Each day affords me a different opportunity to live our Bon Secours Vision, Mission and Values,” she says with a smile. Whether she’s attending daily safety huddles, interviewing leadership candidates or participating in LEAN 6 SQP meetings, her focus never wavers from serving others.
“I feel blessed to offer opening reflections for meetings, to pray a morning reflection on the overhead PA or to attend the Kiwanis prayer breakfast as one of the speakers. All is done in loving service with a willing heart,” she says.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of her role is the collaboration with her Mission colleagues.
“Sharing ideas helps to clarify who we are and how we can make a difference. This is all part of Mission for me,” she explains.
Twice a month, Sister Bernard leads new associate orientations at Mary Immaculate Hospital, a practice she holds dear.
“Each ‘MI Monday’ is a wonderful time for me to recall my own initial employee orientation in 1989. As Mission leader today in 2024, I am able to look into the eyes of new associates and share with them some of what I have learned these past years. It is so powerful for our sustainability to remind new associates to integrate Mission into all aspects of their clinical and organizational days.”
Her journey as a Bernardine Franciscan Sister for 59 years deeply influences her role.
“My vowed life naturally calls me to give of myself to serve the poor, dying and underserved as St. Francis of Assisi would. I don’t try to make myself different or special but live more consciously as a dedicated servant leader,” she says.
Often misunderstood, her role is not about foreign missions but about fostering a mission-driven culture within the hospital.
“My main role is to help folks realize that Mission is everyone’s responsibility,” Sister Bernard says. “We are a team.”
In every reflection she offers and every new associate she welcomes, Sister Bernard’s heart of service shines brightly, reminding all around her that their work is not just a job, but a calling to serve with compassion and love.
Learn about our Mission and the community programs we offer at Bon Secours.
