by Annalisi Pansini, SMC
KHARTOUM – Sr. Annalisi Pansini, a Comboni Missionary Sister who served in Sudan for years, is grappling with the anguish of being suddenly separated from the Sudanese people she grew to love deeply. The eruption of devastating conflict in April 2023 forced her abrupt departure.
“Everything leaves you with so many questions in your heart. Why so much violence?” Sr. Annalisi shared in a poignant reflection titled “With You I Left My Heart.” She mourned the dashed hopes of the resilient Sudanese who sacrificed immensely to demand freedom and dignity through peaceful mobilizations.
Despite the suffering, Sr. Annalisi fondly recalled the Sudanese people’s attentive listening, generous hospitality, adaptability, and interfaith collaboration. She believes these qualities manifest Kingdom values and trusts the Lord will again come to his people’s aid.
Looking ahead, Sr. Annalisi sees rediscovering and nurturing Sudan’s deep roots of fraternity as essential. She views supporting the local Church and forming thought leaders at all levels as an ongoing missionary challenge.
Though physically departed from Sudan, Sr. Annalisi’s heart remains filled with steadfast hope for the nation’s future. She envisions patiently working for reconciliation and accompanying the Sudanese on the long journey of rebuilding peace.