For many years, nuns have made a reliable contribution to the nursing care at the Caritas Baby Hospital. Currently, four Indian sisters of the Sisters of Charity - commonly referred to as Sisters of Maria Bambina - support the hospital including Sister Aleya Kattakayam, who has training and many years of experience in caring for mothers and newborns.
Interview by Richard Asbeck
Good afternoon, Sister Aleya Kattakayam, how are you?
Okay, maybe still a little tired. I've just come from Jerusalem. I was able to spend the whole night in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher with a group of sisters, from nine o'clock in the evening until six o'clock in the morning.
Do you go there often?
So, the night in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was definitely something special for me. But with my foreign passport, I'm privileged. I usually get through border control without any problems. Most of my Palestinian colleagues, however, can't. Some have never even seen the Church of the Holy Sepulcher or other holy sites in Jerusalem – even though they're just a stone's throw away from us in Bethlehem.
Can you briefly describe how you came to Bethlehem?
"Briefly" is difficult, but perhaps this much: I come from Kerala in India. After school, I joined a Christian order, the Sisters of Charity, in Hyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh. I was in the first training group at our order's nursing school. This training took me to many hospitals, within India, to Milan, then to Nazareth, and finally to Bethlehem.
What function and role do you have at the Caritas Baby Hospital?
There are four of us Indian nuns serving at the children's hospital. I'm the only one who works in the Mothers’ Residency Department. This ward helps mothers of sick children who are currently being treated at the hospital. Many women need rest but still want to be close to their children. The maternity ward helps both, because mothers and children can see each other whenever they want. Our ward offers lectures, practical demonstrations, and group discussions where mothers learn what's most important when caring for children.
Most families are Muslim. What is it like when they meet a Christian nun from India?
It does require some explanation. Most people aren't familiar with the concept of a nun and ask why I'm not married and why I don't have children. I always reply: You may have a few children, but I have lots and lots! They quickly realize that my fellow sisters and I are there for them. They appreciate the human connection, the compassion, a comforting hand on their shoulder. And when we admire their children, most of them are visibly proud.
What has changed for you since the outbreak of the Gaza war?
Personally, as I said, I'm not particularly affected, although the fate of others touches me deeply. I witness firsthand how much the country and its people are suffering here in the West Bank. Many families have lost their jobs and income. And nobody sees any improvement on the horizon.
What hope do you feel after the papal election?
Everyone is aware of what is currently happening in Palestine. The extent of the war and violence is known and recognized everywhere.
