Everything and forever

If you ask the average person on the street what they think of when they think about nuns, it’s very possible that you’ll hear “they’re a bunch of elderly women who pray in a convent.” But Comboni missionary Sister Alicia Vacas is one inspiring nun who certainly doesn’t fit that stereotype.

A young Spanish born woman who chose her vocation whole heartedly, with the determination to give "everything and forever," Sr. Alicia is also a trained nurse formally stationed in Europe and Egypt. For the past few years in Jerusalem, she has dedicated herself to helping needy Palestinians and the migrant and poor community in Israel.

Collaborating with the Israeli aid organization, Physicians for Human Rights, Sr. Alicia was part of the team which conducted medical research into human rights violations following Israel’s three week incursion in the Gaza Strip in the winter of 2008-2009.

Sr. Alicia spoke to Tracey McClure:

“I think my life has never been a closed life in a convent. Our life as Comboni sisters is a call to public life among the people, especially among the poorest.”

“Physicians for Human Rights ...works for the right to health for everyone – especially in the cases in which it is threatened by the occupation. So, we have mobile clinics reaching the most complicated areas in the West Bank. We have a proper clinic in Tel Aviv for all those who don’t have health insurance:…asylum seekers, refugees, migrant workers, Palestinians who live in Jerusalem or in Israel without papers, and the poorest part of Israeli society: homeless, people (on) drugs.”

“At the same time, we work in Gaza. We try to intervene in some situations for instance, the permits to move freely within the West Bank and Gaza and the access to medical care is threatened.”

“Most of the Israeli doctors I work with have never seen a (Catholic) sister before”

“I find in this field a way of showing my love and allowing Jesus’ love and Jesus’ mercy to pass to all of these people, both Israelis and Palestinians.

Speaking of the Comboni sisters in the region: “We cannot avoid our responsibility in being a presence of peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land.”

Listen to the full interview: