Call the Midwife (TV Series)

Christmas Special (2019)

Judy Parfitt: Sister Monica Joan

Quotes 

• Sister Hilda : Call me stickler for the Scriptures, I don't recall any reindeer in Bethlehem.

  Sister Monica Joan : You can't be certain. Saint Eustace himself had a vision of Christ between the antlers of a stag, white as snow. And there were mystics who believed our Lord himself appeared to men in such a form.

• Mother Mildred : Hmm, it seems to me that with all the posts so amply covered, the best thing we could do is to take almost all of you away to convalesce. You need a change of scene, good food, sea air; and I know precisely where all three can be obtained.

  Sister Monica Joan : I fear you evoke the spectre of the Mother House.

  Mother Mildred : Our esteemed Sister is incorrect. I think that, on balance, that I speak to Sister Julienne alone.

  [they retreat to the chapel room] 

  Sister Julienne : We could go into my office; I had just lit the paraffin stove... so I could see to some paperwork.

  Mother Mildred : Sister, it's best if we remain within convenient distance of the altar rail. By the time I inform you of my plans, we might both feel the need to pray. I believe God is calling me to open another Branch House.

  Sister Julienne : Where?

  Mother Mildred : As ever!: where good nursing and skilled midwives are *desperately* needed; where there is often no doctor for many miles; where climate is our enemy and water and electricity both fickle friends at best.

  Sister Julienne : Are you thinking of expanding our operation to Africa?

  Mother Mildred : No. We're going to the Outer Hebrides.