Catholic New York

‘Heart of Nuba’ Tells of Catholic Doctor’s Service and Selflessness

In the new documentary, “The Heart of Nuba,” an inspiring true story is told about Dr. Tom Catena, an American physician at Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan.

There, the film’s producers say, Dr. Catena has “selflessly and courageously” served the needs of a forgotten people as the region is bombed by Sudan’s president, Omar al-Bashir, who has been indicted for war crimes. The film was produced and directed by Kenneth Carlson. Journalist Maria Shriver was the executive producer.

The producers note that Dr. Catena is a devout Catholic who believes in Christ’s call to serve the most needy. He has spent the past 10 years as the only doctor for an estimated 1 million people, with assistance from nurses. Last May, Dr. Catena, a lay missioner of the Catholic Medical Mission Board, was awarded the prestigious Aurora Prize for his humanitarian work.

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