A Catholic Meditation on the Gospel

Our CMMB family is blessed by the many, devoted women religious who pray for us and partner with us to serve women and children living in poverty. Today we’re sharing a special reflection from Sister Angelina, a Comboni Missionary at Mother of Mercy Hospital, in Sudan.

Sister Angelina’s Spiritual Journey

I grew up in Uganda. My father died when I was eight years old and life was difficult, but my mother always encouraged us. I prepared for my first communion with the nuns and priests at the mission station of the Comboni Missionaries from Italy. There I met Sister Paola Caleri, who was a nurse and she took care of people affected by leprosy. Every day, she would pray with them and clean their wounds. I thought this was very strange, because in my culture leprosy was a curse. You are not supposed to go near people with it. Those affected are isolated and shunned. So, I remember wondering why Sister Paola was touching them. Deep down in my heart I desired to be like her, so that I could be close to these people who were suffering. But, I told myself, “No. She’s white, I am black. She’s an Italian, I am an African. There is nothing that can make me do what she does.” I rubbed the idea out of my mind.

Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. – Mark 16:15

Many years later, when I was in high school, studying to become a medical doctor, I went to the school chapel to pray. I found a small pamphlet, and the first words my eyes landed on were, “If I had a hundred lives, I would give them for the Africans.” I had discovered the words of St. Daniel Comboni. He was the first Bishop of Central Africa, and founded the Comboni Missionaries. I thought, “This is very interesting, but I am going to be a doctor. This is not my business.”

I continued to study for the entrance exams for university, but I kept thinking about the pamphlet. So I wrote to the Comboni Missionaries, telling them that something had touched me about this St. Daniel Comboni so much, that I wanted to become one of his followers. In 2000, after 10 years of religious life, I became a permanent member of the Comboni Missionary Sisters.

My calling began as a little girl when I saw Sister Paola serving lepers. And I was I so happy when I was eventually sent to South Sudan, where my deep desire to help people suffering from leprosy was finally fulfilled. I was able to clean people’s wounds, to be close to them, and I was able to serve them. Sister Paola is still alive. She is very old, but she is the one who inspired me to follow this path to serve God and the poor.

Sister Angelina is an inspiration to everyone at Mother of Mercy Hospital, Sudan.

Many thanks to Sister Angelina for her story and tireless work in Sudan. Please keep everyone at Mother of Mercy Hospital in your prayers.

 Stories of Children Living in Extreme Poverty

Laurie is a five-year-old in Cotes-de-Fer, Haiti. She needs the support of an Angel Investor so she can get back in the classroom.

Laurie’s mother never went to school and she knows this is why life is such a challenge today. As a widow with three children, school fees are out of reach. Give Laurie a brighter future with the gift of education.

CLICK HERE to read Laurie’s story.

Michael sits in front of his family's home wearing hand-me downs from his older sister.

In remote Haiti, Michael’s family faces the challenges of poverty. Without nutritious food, clean water, and proper sanitation, Michael and his siblings are often sick. You can help. Give Michael the gift of a healthy childhood.

CLICK HERE to read Michael’s story

Wanzia for March 4 Weekly Reflection_Kenya Angel_food and water.

Wanzia’s family is struggling and desperately needs hope, kindness, and compassion. It’s difficult to see thin, hungry children like Wanzia, knowing that no matter how hard her parents work, it will never be enough. You can help lift the burden of extreme poverty.

CLICK HERE to read Wanzia’s story.