Endorsements (Foreword by Bishop Coffey

I have the highest regard for both Sister Deirdre “Dede” Byrne, POSC, and for Dr. Leisa Marie Carzon. Dr. Carzon’s biography of Sister Dede is an edifying and inspiring story of God’s Grace at work in the life of a soul who completely surrenders to His Truth and Love known through both reason and faith. It is clear that God guided Sister Dede by a faithful Catholic family and through the spiritual counsel of Servant of God John A. Hardon, S.J., Saint Teresa of Calcutta, MC, and His Eminence James Aloysius Cardinal Hickey to be a Sister in our nation’s capital, evangelizing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; to be a soldier for the United States of America, for the Kingdom of God, and for the right to life; and to be a surgeon who serves as an instrument in the hand of our healing and merciful God. I highly encourage everyone to reap the fruits of this excellent study of the life of Sister Dede, a co-worker with Christ in the truth (cf. Jn 3, 8).

Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke 

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” is a familiar Scripture passage from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Sr. Dede’s life of selfless service is a remarkable reflection of these words.  From Georgetown Medical School graduate, to serving overseas as a U.S. Army colonel, to wearing the religious habit of the Little Workers of the Sacred Heart, Sr. Dede dedicates her life to healing people in body and soul. Known not only as ‘pro-life’ but ‘pro-eternal life’, this modern-day Joan of Arc is an outspoken advocate of the Catholic faith and the unborn. Dr. Leisa Marie Carzon vividly captures the life and courage of this extraordinary woman.

The Most Rev. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archdiocese of San Francisco

These pages tell an amazing story of a doctor, religious woman, and an Army colonel who serves and served her country in all three roles without contradiction.  She embodies the Catholic tradition of service in truth and we are enriched by her commitment.  Dr. Carzon tells her story well—now it is up to us to learn and to imitate, the highest form of flattery.

The Most Rev. Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA

It is said the opposite of fear is love (cf. 1 John 4:18). The inspirational courage of Sister Dede Byrne to speak Christ's truth without fear or apology in every aspect of her life is a manifestation of the way she so beautifully loves all she encounters. Whether saving lives in the heat of battle or outside the doors of Planned Parenthood, this incredible, must-read book by Dr. Carzon chronicles the life of one of our nation's finest heroes and shows us what it means to be Christ's hands in a world desperate for His love. 

Most Rev. Bishop Joseph L. Coffey, Auxiliary Bishop for the Military Archdiocese, USA

The remarkable modern-day story of Sister Deidre “Dede” Byrne, POSC, is beautifully told by Dr. Leisa Carzon in a compelling new biography entitled: Sister, Soldier, Surgeon: The Courage and Life of Sister Dede Byrne. Once the reader begins, it is hard to put this captivating book down. Combining the courage of a Joan of Arc and the compassion of a Mother Theresa, Sr. Dede is the living embodiment of what John Paul II described as the “feminine genius.” Whether she is in scrubs, camouflage or her religious habit, Sr. Dede’s life is riveting, and her travels literally span the globe through her many deployments and missionary expeditions, as she dedicates her entire life to care of the poor, love of God and country, and an unwavering defense of the unborn. Sr. Dede proposes Christ to everyone she meets in a winning and joy-filled way, with fearless abandon and determined love. This is a beautiful story of a modern woman that everyone should read.

Most Rev. Bishop James Conley, Lincoln Diocese, & Episcopal Advisor for the Catholic Medical Association

"Sister Dede is a steadfast Champion of the Rosary whose life and actions witness the love of Christ to a world much in need." 

Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, Author - Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon

As a personal friend and great admirer of Sister Dede, I am thrilled that Dr. Carzon has put into print this compelling and comprehensive narrative of Sister's life and work.  In a world of cynicism and narcissism, this is a story that must be told, because it is a tale of good conquering evil, of light over darkness, and of life over death.  Dr. Carzon has captured most accurately the heart of this current day Mother Teresa, and it will be both a delight and an inspiration to everyone who reads this book.

Rev. Edward V. Meeks, Pastor Emeritus, Christ the King Catholic Church, Towson, MD