Annalena Tonelli was an extraordinary woman who embodied the Gospel message of charity and peace in a radical and courageous way.

Called to serve those most in need

Born in Forlì in 1943, she earned a law degree in Bologna, but soon felt called to serve those most in need, both in her hometown and around the world. She founded and collaborated with several social initiatives, including the Don Pippo Foundation, the Committee to Fight World Hunger, the foundling hospital, the juvenile prison, and Don Arturo Femicelli’s prayer group.

Volunteer in Kenya and Somalia

In 1969, she decided to volunteer in Kenya, where she worked for more than ten years in a hospital for tuberculosis patients, a disease that was then widespread and deadly. She developed an innovative and effective treatment method based on administering medication at home and involving families and communities. She also promoted prevention, health education, training for local staff, and awareness among authorities. Her protocol was later adopted by the World Health Organization in many countries around the world.

In 1980, she left Kenya to move to Somalia, a country at war and facing a humanitarian crisis. She lived in several places, including Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Borama, where she founded and managed health centers, schools, orphanages, and shelters for refugees, people with disabilities, lepers, blind people, and street children. She always worked in conditions of extreme poverty, insecurity, and hostility, but with boundless faith, hope, and joy. She built relationships of friendship and dialogue with local communities, respecting their culture and religion and bearing witness to her love for Christ.

Death… her testimony

On October 5, 2003, Annalena Tonelli was killed by an armed commando at her center in Borama, where she cared for patients with tuberculosis and AIDS. Her murder went unpunished, and her motives remain unknown. Her death caused grief and outrage throughout the world, but also admiration and gratitude for her heroic and generous life. On June 25, 2003, a few months before her murder, she had been awarded the prestigious Nansen Refugee Award by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for her assistance to refugees, an honor she dedicated to all her collaborators and beneficiaries.

Annalena Tonelli was a credible and authentic witness to God's love for every human being, especially the poorest, the most suffering, and the most forgotten. Her life was a light that illuminated the darkness of the world, a hope that challenged despair, and a strength that overcame fear. Her memory is still alive and relevant, and her example is a challenge and an inspiration to all those who wish to follow in Jesus' footsteps by serving their brothers and sisters.

Throughout the history of the Church, women of great strength and faith have made enormous contributions to history and society. Can you think of any in particular who have remained in your heart? Tell us about her in the comments!