Vatican City – A mission concluded, the return journey to Italy, and then tragedy struck. Four Carmelite missionary nuns lost their lives in a serious car accident last night in Tanzania, near the mission in Mwanza.
Among the victims was also an Italian: Sister Maria Nerina De Simone, 55, councilor and general secretary of the Congregation, originally from Castellammare di Stabia.
Also killed were the Superior General of the Carmelite Missionaries of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Sister Lilian Gladson Kapongo; the Provincial Councilor of the East African Province, Sister Damaris Matheka; Sister Stellamaris Muthini; and the driver of the vehicle, Bonifasi. A fifth nun, Sister Paulina Crisante Mipata, is hospitalized in serious condition.
The nuns, at the end of their missionary work in Africa , were on their way to the airport to return to Santa Marinella (Rome), the headquarters of the Institute founded a hundred years ago by Blessed Maria Crocifissa Curcio. A collision with a heavy vehicle left the nuns with no chance of escape.
News of the tragedy deeply shocked the Catholic community. The vicar general, Sister Zelia da Conceiçao Dias, asked for prayers: "This moment of suffering touches our entire religious family."
The Diocese of Porto-Santa Rufina expressed its closeness, sharing "in this grave loss with the necessary prayers of suffrage." Messages of condolence also arrived from the UISG, the International Union of Superiors General: "With deep sorrow, we join you in this time of great suffering."
Condolences from the mayor of Castellammare
There was also deep emotion in Castellammare di Stabia, Sister Maria Nerina's hometown. Mayor Luigi Vicinanza shared his thoughts on Facebook: "It is with deep sadness that I learned of the tragic passing of Sister Maria Nerina De Simone in Tanzania. She lost her life along with three other sisters and their driver on their way to the airport to return to Italy. The city's thoughts go out to the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters, the school community on Via Cicerone, and all those who knew and loved her at this sad time."
The community of Castellammare di Stabia is now preparing to pay homage to one of its fellow citizens who dedicated her life to the mission, to serving the most vulnerable, and to religious commitment, and who met her end far from her homeland, at the end of a journey of faith she lived to the last day.
This is very sad news. I can't believe this happened to nuns who work to help others. The loss is profound and leaves a void in many lives. I hope the community can find comfort in this difficult time.