Dr. Tom Catena, an Ivy League-educated doctor, has dedicated his life to working as a missionary in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, despite many challenges. Catena initially studied engineering at Brown University before realizing his calling to pursue a career in medicine. Following his graduation from Duke University School of Medicine, Catena embarked on a mission trip to Kenya, where he heard about the dire medical situation in Sudan. Intrigued by the challenge, he decided to move to Sudan and establish a hospital in the Nuba Mountains.
Upon his arrival in Sudan in 2008, Catena was faced with a profound lack of medical infrastructure and personnel. The Mother of Mercy Hospital, founded by Catena and supported by organizations like African Mission Healthcare, became the only medical facility serving over a million people in the region. With limited resources and no access to advanced medical equipment, Catena often has to rely on his skills as a surgeon to treat patients in critical condition. His dedication to his work and faith in God sustains him through the challenges he faces every day.
Catena’s strong faith plays a central role in his motivation to continue his work in a challenging environment. Despite the lack of modern amenities and the constant risks posed by sporadic fighting in Sudan, Catena believes that God is watching over him and his team. The hospital staff has grown from a few individuals with minimal education to over 270 trained health workers, reflecting Catena’s commitment to providing medical care to those in need. He attributes his ability to persevere through difficult times to his faith and the daily Mass held at the hospital.
The Nuba Mountains, a remote and isolated region of Sudan, offer a glimpse into Africa’s past, with minimal development and basic living conditions. Catena and his family live without running water, central power, or modern conveniences, focusing instead on providing medical care to the local population. Catena’s unwavering dedication to his work, even in the face of tragedy and exhaustion, has earned him recognition as one of the most committed physicians in the region. Despite the challenges he faces, Catena remains steadfast in his belief that God is guiding his path.
Catena’s work in the Nuba Mountains is viewed as a testament to faith, commitment, and compassion by those who know him. The hospital he established has become a beacon of hope for the local community, offering lifesaving medical care in the midst of war and poverty. Catena’s recent adoption of two sons and his continued commitment to serving the people of Sudan highlight his deep sense of responsibility and compassion. The impact of his work is seen as a masterpiece, crafted through dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
Despite the challenges of working in a war-torn region with limited resources, Catena remains dedicated to his mission of providing medical care to those who have nowhere else to turn. His selfless work has transformed the lives of many in the Nuba Mountains, offering hope and healing in a place where few resources are available. Catena’s story serves as an inspiration to all those who believe in the power of faith, compassion, and commitment to making a difference in the world.
