Missionary nun dies of gunshot wounds from soldiers in South Sudan

Sister Veronika Terézia Racková of the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (SSpS) died of gunshot wounds and multiple other injuries four days after being attacked by three soldiers on May 16 in Yei, South Sudan.

In a report by the National Catholic Register, Slovak news sources stated that Marin Kramara, spokesman of the Slovak Bishops' Conference (SBC), has confirmed the death of the missionary sister on Friday, May 20.

The gunmen opened fire while the Slovak nun was driving the St. Bakhita ambulance after delivering a patient to Harvester's Health Centre, according to the Catholic Radio Network in South Sudan, as reported by the Vatican Radio.

She was shot at the stomach and suffered injuries to her pelvis as well as fractures. Sister Veronika was taken to a local hospital where she underwent a surgery; she was later flown to Nairobi, Kenya for further treatment. A medical doctor also died from the attack.

A holy mass in memory of the missionary nun was held at Yei's Christ the King over the weekend. During the gathering, the Vicar General of Yei Diocese, Father Zachariah Angutuwa Sebit, told the mournful congregation that the Slovak nun knew she was dying during her last hours.

The Yei government has already reported the arrest of three soldiers from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLA). The army was deployed for night patrol in Yei municipality to protect civilians as the country prepared to celebrate the 30^{th anniversary of SPLA.}

"Precious indeed is the life given for mission," a post on the order's Facebook page states as a tribute to Sister Veronika. It adds, "Thank you so much for all your precious prayers and support extended. Though we are in deep pain and sorrow for the death of Sister Veronika, we offer peace, healing and compassion to the people in South Sudan, for whom she gave her life, especially those who wounded her. May the love of the Triune God be sown in every heart."

Sister Maria Jerly, Provincial Regional Superior of the SSpS sisters, informed journalists in South Sudan that the members of their congregation working in the country will continue in their mission despite the great torment brought about by the tragic death of their religious sister.

Sister Veronika served as the head of the St. Bakhita's Medical Centre in Yei and has served in numerous countries such as Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Ghana.