Damascus: For the past four years, a Catholic nun has been quietly leading a hospital in the heart of Syria's capital, working to ensure that patients continue to receive care despite years of war, economic hardship, and growing uncertainty. For Sister Judita Cáková, every life saved is a reminder that hope can survive even in the most difficult circumstances.
A member of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul for more than three decades, Sister Judita is a trained nurse who has served in refugee camps and conflict zones around the world. Today, she is known throughout Damascus as the sister who manages the French Hospital, a Catholic institution that has become a trusted place of healing for people from all religious backgrounds.
Looking back on her humanitarian journey, Sister Judita recalls a moment that has remained close to her heart. During one of her earlier missions, people wondered who the woman helping them was. An interpreter simply replied that she was a woman who loved God and people. Those words, she says, have continued to guide her throughout her mission.
Her desire to serve people affected by conflict began after reading about families who had fled war with nothing and were struggling to survive. Deeply moved by their suffering, she volunteered for humanitarian work, determined to stand beside those most in need.
In Damascus, her role extends far beyond nursing. She is responsible for managing the hospital and ensuring that it remains financially stable while staying true to its mission of caring for the poor. The hospital is owned by the Daughters of Charity, while most of its doctors, nurses, and employees are lay professionals from different religious communities who work together to serve patients.
Her first months in Syria were challenging. She did not speak Arabic and had to adjust to an unfamiliar healthcare system. Although she knew French and English, she remembers that all the languages became mixed up in her mind during those early days. Gradually, she learned to communicate and found confidence while working in the operating theatre, especially during Caesarean sections, where the medical procedures were similar to those she had already known.
She also credits two doctors who had studied in Russia for helping her settle into her new role. Their patience and willingness to answer her questions made the transition much easier.
Today, the French Hospital has 108 beds, around 250 employees, and works with about 130 doctors. One of Sister Judita's greatest responsibilities is ensuring that staff receive their salaries on time and have good working conditions despite the country's difficult economic situation.
Keeping the hospital financially sustainable remains a constant challenge. While its mission is to care for poor patients, the hospital cannot survive by treating only those who cannot pay. Patients who are able to cover the cost of treatment help make it possible for poorer families to receive medical care as well.
The hospital also works closely with Caritas and several charitable organisations supported by international donors. In previous years, it received valuable assistance through the Vatican's Open Hospital initiative led by Cardinal Mario Zenari, allowing many patients to undergo life saving operations, including emergency surgeries that they otherwise could not have afforded.
Sister Judita says Syria has changed dramatically since the conflict began in 2011. Many people now work two jobs simply to meet their daily needs. Large numbers of educated Syrians, especially Christians and members of minority communities, have left for Europe, North America, and Australia in search of safety and better opportunities.
Those who remain often have no practical way to leave. At the same time, ongoing regional tensions continue to create fear, with explosions and rocket attacks becoming part of everyday life.
One of the most painful moments she remembers came after a bombing at an Orthodox church that killed several people. Most of the injured were brought to the French Hospital, where staff treated about 80 percent of the victims. Many were young people. After surgery, when doctors asked them what they hoped for most, nearly all gave the same answer. They wanted to leave Syria.
Despite the difficult environment, the hospital strives to offer more than medical treatment. Sister Judita says it aims to create an atmosphere of respect, compassion, and service where every patient is treated with dignity. She believes this caring environment is one of the reasons so many families continue to trust the hospital.
The hospital has also expanded its services by opening a new cardiology department that provides cardiac catheterisation and open heart surgery, giving local people greater access to advanced medical care.
During periods of crisis, the hospital also became a refuge for healthcare workers who had lost their homes or jobs. It arranged accommodation and transportation for staff members when travelling through the city became dangerous because of insecurity and frequent power cuts that left Damascus in darkness after sunset.
Although the hospital continues to depend heavily on international support, Sister Judita remains hopeful. She says financial assistance, medical supplies, and a new ambulance are urgently needed, along with help covering the cost of operations for poor patients.
Even so, it is the stories of lives transformed that continue to inspire her. She remembers a baby girl born six months into pregnancy on the feast of Saint Michael. The sisters suggested naming her Miša. Today, the child is a healthy two year old.
For Sister Judita, moments like these make every challenge worthwhile and strengthen her commitment to continue serving God and the people of Syria.