Austrian angels of philanthropy
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the recent passing of Sister Margaret Pissarek, a former Austrian nurse whose selfless dedication to caring for Korean leprosy patients on Sorok Island for over four decades touched countless lives. Born in 1935, Pissarek's journey began after graduating from a nursing school in Innsbruck, Austria. In 1966, she made the life-changing choice to serve at the Sorok National Hospital, Sorok Island, Gohung County, South Jeolla Province where she tirelessly tended to Hansen's disease patients until 2005. Remarkably, Pissarek's altruism knew no bounds as she steadfastly refused any form of financial remuneration, embodying a profound sense of compassion for the less fortunate.
Throughout her decades on Sorok Island, Pissarek's devotion remained steadfast, even as her health began to decline. In an act of remarkable selflessness, she decided to return to Austria, her homeland, explaining that she did not wish to burden the people she had come to love and serve in Korea. Her decision encapsulates the essence of her character; a rare blend of compassion and humility.
Pissarek's generosity extended beyond her lifetime. She expressed her desire to donate her body for medical research, embodying her lifelong dedication to healing and improving the lives of others. Her commitment to the greater good did not waver, even in her final moments.
Pissarek's enduring legacy is closely intertwined with another selfless soul, Sister Marianne Stoeger, who arrived in Korea in 1962 as a volunteer nurse and, like Pissarek, returned home in 2005. Together, they formed an unbreakable bond while providing essential care to those in need. Their friendship and shared commitment to humanitarian work are a testament to the transformative power of selflessness.
In recognition of their extraordinary contributions, the Korean government bestowed insignias and honorary citizenship upon Pissarek and Stoeger, acknowledging their selfless dedication to humanity. Additionally, efforts were also made to recommend them as candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize, a well-deserved recognition and a testament to their profound impact on society.
Pissarek's life serves as a shining example of the power of compassion and the ability of one person to make a profound difference in the lives of others. Her legacy is a reminder that in a world often focused on individual gain, there exists an untapped well of kindness and selflessness. She will forever be remembered as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us all of the transformative potential of a life devoted to compassion and service to others.
Irrespective of religious, philosophical, racial, economic or political differences, both Pissarek and Stoeger were widely admired by people not only in Korea but also internationally for their genuine philanthropic efforts. They dedicated themselves to alleviating human suffering in a world marred by hatred, conflict and widespread disbelief. Their strength, wisdom, courage, and boundless compassion towards all, especially their commitment to feeding the hungry and safeguarding the underprivileged, profoundly moved me.
The noble spirit and impactful contributions of these two women in their lifelong dedication to humanitarian service can be compared to the revered model of philanthropy embodied by Mother Teresa.
Their lifelong dedication to serving others continues to inspire me deeply.
Pissarek and Stoeger, like Mother Teresa, devoted their lives to serving those in need. They demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the less fortunate, regardless of the challenges they encountered. Their noble spirits shone through in their relentless pursuit of social justice and the alleviation of suffering.
The two Austrian angels of philanthropy played a significant role in fostering friendly relations between Korea and Austria, demonstrating their love for Korea that surpassed even that of Koreans.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association.