In the densely packed refugee camps of Sudan, where tens of thousands of South Sudanese have sought shelter from relentless conflict and upheaval, a quiet force of strength and solace stands beside them — the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Far from home themselves, these women of faith share the daily struggles of the displaced, offering not just spiritual guidance but an unwavering presence of hope and humanity.
Within camps like Al Kashafa in White Nile State — swollen with over 150,000 South Sudanese — the Sisters of the Sacred Heart (SHS), a native South Sudanese religious order, live amid hardship and chaos, serving fellow refugees with deep compassion. Their mission encompasses far more than prayer. They offer trauma counseling, spiritual formation, home visits for the sick, and emotional support to those suffering from hunger, abuse, and the psychological wounds of war.
“Our work is to be present and to listen,” shared Sr. Georgina Victor Nyarat, who has served in Al Kashafa since December 2023. “People are enduring immense suffering.”
Founded in 1954 by Bishop Sixtus Mazzoldi, the SHS congregation knows displacement firsthand. Forced to flee their homeland during the First Sudan Civil War in 1964, they found temporary refuge in Uganda. They returned, only to be uprooted again during the Second Sudan Civil War in 1983. Yet, through every wave of violence, the sisters chose to stay with their people, crossing borders and enduring danger to continue their ministry.
In 2016, amid renewed conflict in South Sudan, Bishop Daniel Adwok Kur of Khartoum welcomed the sisters to serve the growing refugee population in Sudan’s White Nile region. With few resources, they settled in Al Kashafa, constructing a modest home from tarps and sheeting — humble quarters that stand as a sanctuary for many.
The sisters are more than spiritual leaders; they are lifelines in a landscape riddled with insecurity. Refugees in camps like Gemeyia and Jorry face daily discrimination and are often denied access to essential resources like firewood and clean water.
“Women and girls are at constant risk of harassment and sexual violence when they leave camp,” said Sr. Mary Achwany George, who has served in Al Kashafa since 2016. “But through our presence, we try to offer safety, solidarity, and dignity.”
As food supplies dwindle and humanitarian aid stretches thin, many refugees are forced to labor for meager pay just to survive. Stress-related illnesses are common, particularly among the youth, who bear the brunt of chronic instability. “The mental strain is overwhelming,” Sr. Mary added.
Amid the uncertainty, the sisters have nurtured spiritual resilience in the camps. Initially, few showed interest in prayer or Church services. But over time, through daily presence and communal prayer, the sisters have rekindled faith among the displaced.
“Now, they come to pray with us every day,” said Sr. Georgina. Each year, Bishop Adwok visits the camps to administer sacraments like Confirmation, reinforcing a sense of spiritual community and connection to the broader Church.
Even in their own scarcity, the refugees show remarkable generosity. Sr. Mary recalled how South Sudanese refugees often extend help to newly displaced Sudanese families arriving in the camps. “They give what little they have and say, ‘God is still with us, sisters. One day, we will return home.’”
In places where institutions fail and suffering is immense, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart remain steadfast. They walk hand in hand with the displaced, not as outsiders, but as fellow survivors and servants of faith. Through humble acts of service, tireless compassion, and spiritual companionship, they provide something no aid package can deliver — a sense of belonging, dignity, and hope.
Their mission is clear: to be present, to listen, and to remind every refugee they encounter that they are not alone. In the shadows of crisis, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart shine as quiet guardians of humanity.