The Family Room (The Quest)
Join co-hosts Mari Cleveland from St. Jude the Apostle and John Gordon and Craig Wesemeyer from St. Peter Chanel as they speak with authors, theologians, and local priests and lay leaders to provide your family encouragement, resources, and hope. Enjoy heartfelt stories and engaging conversations with Catholics who are excited to share their life experiences and acquired wisdom to help your family continue to live out your faith with joy.
Feb 19, 2025
Sister, Soldier, Surgeon
Leisa Marie Carzon, PhD, educational leader, author
It’s not every day you meet a modern-day Joan of Arc, but when Dr. Leisa Marie Caron heard the story of Sister Deirdre Byrne, M.D., there was no going back. She wanted to know more about this woman who was a religious sister, an Army colonel, and a double-board-certified surgeon and physician. That was in 2020, and Dr. Leisa Marie Caron, a self-professed "mama bear" who was concerned about the country’s future, decided to look up this incredible woman and meet her in person. Deeply impressed, it was at that meeting where Dr. Leisa asked permission to write a book about this woman who embraced three vocations at once.
The book is called Sister, Soldier, Surgeon: The Life and Courage of Sr. Deirdre Byrne, M.D. With great love and precision, Dr. Leisa Maria paints a beautiful portrait of a woman whose surgeon father encouraged her to take care of others physically while magazines of missionary Sisters overseas challenged her to love them sacrificially. This spunky yet humble Sister will make you laugh and cry as you follow her life through battlefield surgeries and abortion-reversal miracles; a woman who personifies both the modern feminine genius and a living saint.
Dr. Leisa Marie Caron is a lifelong Catholic who met her husband in church, and they have a 22-year-old son. Dr. Dede Byrne credits her lifelong love of both God and others to her parents, who instilled in their children a love of daily Mass and of serving others. Sr. Dede belongs to The Little Workers of the Sacred Heart and while their Mother House is in Italy, she serves in Washington, D.C., where she has a clinic in the basement of the convent. She also mentors local medical students on weekends.
Resources:
It’s not every day you meet a modern-day Joan of Arc, but when Dr. Leisa Marie Caron heard the story of Sister Deirdre Byrne, M.D., there was no going back. She wanted to know more about this woman who was a religious sister, an Army colonel, and a double-board-certified surgeon and physician. That was in 2020, and Dr. Leisa Marie Caron, a self-professed "mama bear" who was concerned about the country’s future, decided to look up this incredible woman and meet her in person. Deeply impressed, it was at that meeting where Dr. Leisa asked permission to write a book about this woman who embraced three vocations at once.
The book is called Sister, Soldier, Surgeon: The Life and Courage of Sr. Deirdre Byrne, M.D. With great love and precision, Dr. Leisa Maria paints a beautiful portrait of a woman whose surgeon father encouraged her to take care of others physically while magazines of missionary Sisters overseas challenged her to love them sacrificially. This spunky yet humble Sister will make you laugh and cry as you follow her life through battlefield surgeries and abortion-reversal miracles; a woman who personifies both the modern feminine genius and a living saint.
Dr. Leisa Marie Caron is a lifelong Catholic who met her husband in church, and they have a 22-year-old son. Dr. Dede Byrne credits her lifelong love of both God and others to her parents, who instilled in their children a love of daily Mass and of serving others. Sr. Dede belongs to The Little Workers of the Sacred Heart and while their Mother House is in Italy, she serves in Washington, D.C., where she has a clinic in the basement of the convent. She also mentors local medical students on weekends.
Resources:
- This website is dedicated to Sister Dede’s story, where you can purchase the book, Sister, Soldier, Surgeon: The Life and Courage of Sister Deirdre Byrne, M.D.
- Abortion pill reversal website or call 1-877-558-0333
