I had not planned to write again on this blog since I have retired from Maryknoll Lay Missioners. But I see that many people still read the posts and a terrible tragedy has occurred in South Sudan. When I first went to Sudan in 1991, Bishop Taban wanted me to work in Loa Parish. Unfortunately, the Antonov had dropped a bomb on the house he planned for me to use and so this option was no longer available.
Loa Parish was begun in 1921 by Comboni missionary priests and in 1992 I moved there to live and work for one year. I had to move to Nimule in 1993 when four expatriates were ambushed and killed nearby.
During the twelve years I worked in Sudan from 1991-2003 I never experienced a death like these Sisters endured. They had gone to Loa Parish for the centenary celebrations of the parish which were held on the Feast of the Assumption on 15th August, 2021. Over 2000 people attended. The following day, these two Sisters were returning to Juba, the capital city where they worked. Their vehicle was ambushed on the road by the Aru junction. The Sisters fled the vehicle and one was shot in the back and died instantly. The other Sister was found lying under a bush and died on the way to the hospital.
I had worked with several Sacred Heart Sisters over the years. Sr. Paswkina is still there and is an educator for children. Sr. Petronilla Wawa was a nurse midwife who has left the congregation. These women were professionals who provided excellent services under appalling conditions.
Sr. Mary and Sr. Regina will be buried on 20th August, 2021 after a service at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba. I would like to extend my sincere condolences, kafara, to the Sacred Heart Sisters and all the people of South Sudan who will suffer now that these women are gone.
May they rest in eternal peace.
May peace come to South Sudan through the intercession of these holy women.
