Our lifestyle in Somalia was poor, humble, silent, hidden, sowing freely without expecting reward, giving generously without ever expecting any recognition or thanks. This was the lifestyle of our first Sisters, who knew how to generously give their lives with charity and heroism, in silence, obscurity, and authentic poverty: a lifestyle passed down from generation to generation, and for the sisters living in Somalia, after 30 and 40 years, it had now become habitual.
From the testimony, written on January 13, 2012 by Sr. Marzia Feurra
In Somalia, with 99.9% Muslim, evangelization was not permitted; one could only bear witness to the Gospel through a life of silent dedication.
Sr. Marzia recalls being approached several times by Muslims who asked her to follow their religion, because even though she was a Christian, people loved her and she helped everyone without exception. Sr Marzia responded with a smile and remained firm and faithful to her life consecrated to the mission.
Living in Somalia, Sr Marzia continues, required uncommon caution because we didn’t know whether the brother before us was a friend or not, even though none of us felt we had enemies, we felt like brothers and sisters.
Unfortunately, events precipitated and the situation in the country became difficult: the Cathedral was set on fire, the parish of the Sacred Heart razed to the ground, the small chapels destroyed and, together with them every Christian religious sign, we jealously guarded the presence of God in our home with the certainty that from that Tabernacle many Graces would come for us and for all of Somalia.
Each Sister was aware of the risk she was taking, but fidelity to the mission and solidarity with the poor were our strength: no one felt like abandoning the mission. The Lord, for his part, protected us, holding us in the palm of his hand, until his plan of love for us, the Institute, and the Church was fulfilled: the martyrdom of Sr Leonella Sgorbati.
After this event, the missionary sisters were forced to leave Somalia. The people, heads bowed, grieving and perhaps praying, crowded in front of the hospital gates where Sr Leonella had taught, silently bid farewell to the missionary as the coffin passed.
