- 19 October, 2026
October 19, 2026: On 26 August 2026, devastating flash floods triggered by an ice-related disaster in the Himalayas swept through the Rasuwa, Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river regions of Nepal, destroying homes, bridges and precious lives. At Preranalaya, Baniyatar, Kathmandu, the tragedy reached us through heartbreaking news from families in the affected areas. For two agonising days, we waited anxiously, praying for news of our loved ones and those we knew. Then came the painful revelations: a young boy had lost his mother, one of our hostel girls had lost her father, and families were mourning their loved ones or desperately searching for missing relatives. Their suffering touched us deeply, reminding us that behind every tragedy are human lives, grieving hearts and families longing for hope.
As the suffering unfolded before us, we realised that we could not remain distant from the pain of our own people. We visited grieving families, sat beside them in silence, listened to their stories, prayed with them, and provided food and essential supplies. Though we could not take away their grief, we could offer our presence and remind them that they were not alone.
Yet, our hearts longed to do more. We felt called to reach the remote, flood-affected mountain communities where medical assistance was urgently needed. Among the many journeys undertaken as part of our mobile clinic mission, one experience remains vividly etched in my heart. Our journey to Uttargaya, Rasuwa, on 3 September 2026, became a profound experience of faith, courage and God’s loving guidance—an experience I would like to share.
A Journey into the Unknown
At 5 a.m. on 3 September, our mobile clinic team and I set out for Uttargaya, Rasuwa, accompanied by a local health officer from the Rural Municipality. Our vehicle was loaded with emergency medicines, and our hearts were filled with a deep desire to reach those who were suffering.
As we climbed higher into the mountains, the road became increasingly dangerous. We encountered long lines of trucks and relief vehicles along the damaged route, surrounded by mud, landslides and broken stretches of road. Yet, amidst the destruction, one sight deeply moved me: vehicles carrying relief materials and teams of people from different organisations were making their way towards the affected communities. It felt as though the whole world had come together to help Nepal. In that moment, I realised that even in the face of great tragedy, humanity and compassion were very much alive.
However, the other vehicles had to turn back because of the dangerous road conditions. Ours was the only vehicle beginning to climb further into the mountains. Holding a small picture of Maria Bambina in one hand and my Rosary in the other, I moved forward into the unknown, sustained by silent prayer and unwavering trust in God.
As we climbed higher, the road grew more dangerous. Suddenly, a strong burning smell came from our vehicle, forcing us to stop twice. Fear and uncertainty began to rise, but I turned to Maria Bambina, seeking her loving protection. I placed her picture on the dashboard and entrusted our journey to her maternal care. Soon, the smell disappeared, and we continued with renewed courage.
A little further ahead, a massive landslide had buried the narrow road beneath mud and boulders, leaving us helpless before this unexpected obstacle. We paused to pray, placing our trust in the Lord. Just then, to our great surprise, a JCB appeared from somewhere along the mountain road and began clearing the debris. We did not know where it had come from, but it cleared just enough space for our vehicle to pass through.
What had seemed impossible had suddenly become possible. I felt that the Lord was gently guiding us forward under the loving protection of Maria Bambina.
The challenges continued as we travelled through the mountains. Dark clouds gathered overhead, and rain poured down around us, yet our vehicle remained untouched by the rain throughout the journey. After six hours on the road, the fuel gauge showed a dangerously low level, but it remained unchanged for the next eight hours. At another point, the engine suddenly stopped. However, after a moment of prayer, it started again. Through every difficulty, we pressed on, entrusting ourselves to God and remaining focused on reaching those who needed our help.
“Sister, You Have Brought Light to Us!”
By evening, darkness had covered the mountains. Tired, hungry and cold, we searched for shelter for the night. I was reminded of Mary and Joseph searching for a place in Bethlehem.
Finally, a kind woman welcomed us, shared her family’s remaining rice and offered us the only room available in their home. Then, after nine days without electricity following the floods, the lights suddenly came on.
Looking at us in amazement, the woman exclaimed, “Sister, you have brought light to us!”
The electricity remained on throughout our stay but went off again about thirty minutes after we left the following morning. Her hospitality reminded us that God’s love often reaches us through the simple kindness of others.
After a sixteen-hour journey, we finally reached the flood-affected communities. We realised that our mission was not simply to treat illnesses or provide emergency relief, but also to stand alongside people enduring the aftermath of a devastating disaster. Through our mobile clinic, we sought to bring medical assistance closer to those in need and offer comfort to families whose lives had been profoundly disrupted.
Even our return journey was equally challenging. Throughout these difficult moments, my non-Catholic staff and driver, who witnessed the unexpected help we received, said with wonder, “Sister, your God is saving us, continue to pray till we reach back!”
Their words touched me deeply and strengthened my conviction that God’s care reaches beyond religious boundaries and touches every human heart.
A Heart Overflowing with Gratitude
Looking back, I recognise this journey as a grace-filled experience of God’s loving presence, made possible through the prayers of our community, the support of our Province, the solidarity of our entire Institute of the Sisters of Charity of Saints Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa (SCCG), and the dedicated service of our mobile clinic team.
I had carried only a small picture of Maria Bambina and my Rosary, but I returned with a heart overflowing with gratitude for the many ways God revealed His loving presence along the way. This experience strengthened our faith and deepened our trust in Him.
It also reaffirmed that our mission is not sustained by our strength, plans or resources alone. Faith calls us to respond generously to Christ’s invitation to serve, especially when the needs are great and the path ahead is uncertain. In reaching out to the flood-affected communities, we experienced how prayer and practical service can come together in the face of human suffering.
As I reflect on this journey, I remain grateful for the courage to move forward despite the dangers, for the unexpected help we received, and for the opportunity to serve people in their hour of need. Under the loving protection of Maria Bambina, we discovered anew that even when the road seems impassable, faith gives us the courage to continue.
Indeed, God makes a way where there seems to be no way.
About the Author
Sr Lenita D’Souza belongs to the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saints Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa (SCCG), also known as the Sisters of Maria Bambina. She has been serving in Baniyatar, Nepal, under the New Delhi Province, since January 2024. A 57-year-old gynaecologist, she originally hails from Mangalore.
By Sr. Lenita D’Souza, SCCG, Nepal
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP