Catholic and Muslim communities come together in love

Reflection by Sister Magdalene (Meg) Umoh

The Muslim Jamaat at the University of Makeni, invited Sister Meg Umoh to share a message of hope at the Makeni polio camp during the Independence Day event.

Ministering with the people of Sierra Leone, particularly among the youth at the University of Makeni as the head of the Public Health Department and director of the Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education and Research, has filled my heart with deep affection for the people I work with and a sincere sense of fulfillment in my efforts.

Sierra Leone is a nation that has endured 11 years of civil war, mudslides, and Ebola, yet its citizens continue to depend on and trust in God. This is an expression of faith deeply rooted in hope. The people’s humble, simple, free-spirited nature and religious tolerance offer valuable lessons to the rest of the world. Despite their nation's hardships, they consistently find creative ways to relax and celebrate God's love and faithfulness. These admirable qualities have blessed me personally.

The people of Sierra Leone open their hearts and souls to welcome, appreciate, and love everyone they encounter, regardless of their religious affiliation. They have shown me that living in a Muslim-dominated culture provides a unique opportunity to express my faith inclusively, ensuring all feel welcomed, loved, and respected.

Sister Meg Umoh teaches environmental health. 

I have been graced with patience, compassion, tolerance, inclusivity, love, and hope for the future as I mentor and train students and graduates in the public health field, preparing them to respond to emergencies and outbreaks with love, compassion, and empathy – placing the dignity of each person at the center of our efforts. The challenge lies in witnessing some young people with immense potential turning to drugs and other harmful substances amid economic crises and unemployment. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful through the small ways I bear witness to my own life and fidelity to my vows. A reassuring question I often ask myself is: how can I better prepare my students to be more empathetic, responsible, and attentive to the health concerns of low-income people as we strive to expand and strengthen healthcare systems through education, research, and community engagement?

Ministering in a community of diverse religions, particularly one dominated by Muslims, has been a true blessing and deeply fulfilling. The intermarriages that occur between Muslims and Christians are vital to their sense of unity. The opportunity to worship in both mosques and churches fosters love and togetherness. The profoundly significant message is the freedom of worship and the need to prioritize the dignity and concerns of the human person, especially women and children, over religious differences. As School Sisters of Notre Dame, our charism of unity encourages me daily to yearn for the oneness of humanity, placing humanity above religion. God loves and cherishes everyone; therefore, I prioritize humanity first.

Sisters celebrate the 50th anniversary of SSND presence in Sierra Leone.

Creating a community with people from different backgrounds has been an experience of mutuality, reaching out in love and care and receiving love without prejudice. I use every opportunity to invite others to share my faith, as they also share with me, and together, we continue to form an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome regardless of religion.

Bridge-building, intercultural sharing, and understanding have been evident in my ministry. Even though we are a Catholic institution, relating daily with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and different family upbringings has opened me to embracing religious diversity. A powerful way of living this out is that towards the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, the Muslim community always invites me to join them in praying and presenting food items to our immediate community's poor and vulnerable persons. Praying with them as a Catholic sister is an excellent symbol of religious tolerance, inclusivity, and oneness.

Although we have different ways of expressing our faith, we all strive towards becoming a more loving, caring, and compassionate society where a civilization of love is paramount. This continues to remind me in my spiritual journey that humanity comes first despite our diverse ways of worship. Promoting the dignity of the human person has always been at the heart of my ministry.

Sister Meg Umoh receives the key to the center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education and Research, presented to her by the chairman of the board.

Ministering with persons from different religions has impacted my spirituality as I have continued to let something in me die for growth to happen. I have continued to embrace all, offer, and receive love notwithstanding religious background. This has helped me to move towards daily integration of unity and acceptance of the other. I keep realizing that God's love overshadows religion and impels me to create an environment where everyone can strive to become their best self for the common good. I have always believed that Jesus is in every person, irrespective of our diverse religions.

Originally published in the 2025 Trust & Dare Magazine.