A number of years ago, on a day off, whilst visiting the small market town of Shaftesbury in Dorset, out of the blue, as I strolled around the small town, I received a message from my spirit guide, Aurora, in the form of clairaudient words, which were: 'We're going to give you a book with your name on it!'. About 45 minutes later, whilst passing a small antique shop, I noticed in boxes on the street outside, books for sale. On the top of one of the piles of stacked books, I was stunned when I saw a book bearing the title: Dorothy Kerin: Called by Christ to Heal. I was amazed and deeply moved. I picked the book up and held it to my chest, as I prayed, thanking Aurora for such a wonderful, encouraging sign. I then purchased the special book from the shop owner.
Upon reading the book, I discovered that it was about a woman called Dorothy Kerin, a Christian mystic, who passed away in her 80s in 1963. What's more, I subsequently learned that Dorothy Kerin's life and work have had a profound impact on the concept of whole person care, in the medical world.
Miraculous Healing
Dorothy was a vibrant and active young woman until she fell ill at the age of 17. She first contracted diphtheria, which was followed by pneumonia, pleurisy, gastric ulcers and diabetes, and finally, tuberculosis. She was rendered bedbound and came close to death, but was supported during this time by both her doctor and her Christian minister. As a result of her illnesses, she was unable to walk for years.
After a prolonged period of sickness, Dorothy miraculously recovered at the age of 22, following a Vision. One morning in February, 1912, a transformative event unfolded that would forever change Dorothy's life. As she lay in her bed, gravely ill, a profound spiritual experience was about to unfold.
The Radiant Chalice
As her parish priest approached with the chalice for Holy Communion, Dorothy beheld an extraordinary sight. A brilliant golden light emanated from the vessel, enveloping the priest in an otherworldly glow. The moment was an epiphany, a tangible manifestation of the divine presence.
Angels and a Divine Message
As the communion ritual concluded, Dorothy slipped into a semi-conscious state. Amidst a celestial vision, she witnessed angels approaching her bedside. She believed she was about to die and ascend to heaven. However, to her surprise, an angel delivered a momentous announcement: 'Dorothy, your sufferings are over. Get up and walk.'
Miraculous Recovery
Instantly, an inexplicable force surged through Dorothy's body. With newfound strength, she rose from her sickbed and began to walk. The debilitating illness that had tormented her miraculously vanished. Dorothy's healing was not only physical but also spiritual. The encounter with the divine had ignited a flame within her, compelling her to dedicate her life to serving others.
This experience ultimately led Dorothy to the concept of whole person care.
Whole Person Care
Whole person care is an approach to medical treatment that focusses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. As a result of her own healing, Dorothy believed that true healing could only be achieved through the combination of healing both body and soul, a revolutionary idea at the time.
Burrswood
Inspired by a vision in which she believed Jesus Christ was calling her to establish a place where others could receive love and healing, Dorothy Kerin founded Burrswood Christian Hospital in 1948. The hospital quickly gained a reputation for its holistic approach to healing, and became a place where people from all walks of life could come to receive care for their bodies, minds, and spirits.
Burrswood Health and Wellbeing
Seventy years after its establishment, Burrswood Health and Wellbeing was started, with a renewed commitment to promote and reinterpret Dorothy Kerin's pioneering vision of whole person care for today's world. The organisation has now moved into the community, offering a range of services designed to promote health and wellbeing through the integration of medicine and faith.
The Dorothy Kerin Trust, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, now oversees the work of Burrswood. Many visitors to the hospital have spoken of the healing power of the wonderful gardens. I visited Burrswood, a few years ago, after my miracle encounter with Dorothy Kerin: Called by Christ to Heal. It is indeed, a special place. I also spent time in the small chapel, whilst thinking about how Dorothy herself, would have prayed in the same place, many years ago. This experience made me feel especially close to her.
Legacy
Dorothy Kerin's legacy continues to inspire and impact the lives of those who come to Burrswood for care and healing. Her commitment to whole person care, and her vision of a place where medicine and faith could be combined to bring about true healing, has left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit people throughout the world today.
Mystic Visions and Revelations
Dorothy possessed the rare gift of receiving frequent spiritual visions from the Divine. While Dorothy's mystical experiences deepened her spiritual life, she also engaged actively in evangelism and healing. Like St. Catherine of Sienna, she combined intense prayer with medical service to the sick.
Love of Animals
Dorothy possessed a remarkable love and connection with animals, reminiscent of St. Francis of Assisi. Horses grazed the fields of Burrswood, and birds filled her aviary. She had a special bond with her red setter, Bruno, who accompanied her throughout her healing ministry and was affectionately known as 'The Brown Verger' for his presence at chapel services.
Healing Miracles
Dorothy's faith and prayers were often associated with miraculous healings. One such story involved a small white budgerigar that was near death after an attack from other birds in an aviary. Dorothy prayed for the little bird and slept with it close to her cheek, to care for it through the night. The bird quickly healed and was soon flying again, the next day.
On another occasion a 'little nearly blind seamstress' who's eyesight was so poor that she could no longer see to sew arrived unannounced. Dorothy found time to fit her into her busy schedule, and after receiving healing with Dorothy, the seamstress exclaimed, ‘I can see! I can see! Oh thank Him [Jesus],’. She noticed Dorothy kneeling behind her, radiating light.
Stigmata
So strong was her faith that Dorothy was one of the few people in history to receive the stigmata, marks representing the crucifixion of Jesus. Clearly her closeness to a Higher Power manifested in remarkable ways.
Dorothy Kerin was a remarkable woman whose life and work have had a profound impact on the world of medicine and healthcare. Her vision of whole person care, and her commitment to establishing a place where others could receive love and healing, has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and benefit people today. Through the work of Burrswood and the Dorothy Kerin Trust, her pioneering vision of whole person care and healing through the natural environment is being reinterpreted for today's world, offering a unique and holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Having been guided to discover Dorothy, by my spirit guide, Aurora, I continue to look to her example, as a source of inspiration in my own life.
To learn more about Dorothy Kerin, follow these links:
https://www.pentecostaltheology.com/medieval-saint-in-modern-england-dorothy-kerin/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groombridge
https://www.burrswood.org/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=dorothy+kerin
https://stmarksandststephens.org.uk/history/
https://mediahaven-stigmatics
