Battling cancer and Parkinson’s disease, Sister Claude Gadd maneuvers her walker with the same determination that once propelled her through the rugged terrains of Papua New Guinea. Despite her ailments forcing her to return to the United States after 36 years of missionary work, her heart remains with the people she served so far from home.
“I would go back tomorrow if I could,” Sr. Claude confesses, her voice a tender mix of fervor and regret. “The longer it takes, the harder it gets to return, but a big part of my heart was left behind.”
Young tribe member in Piaya Village, Papua New Guinea. (Shutterstock)
In 1986, Sister Claude Gadd and six other Sisters of the Sacred Heart embarked on a journey that would profoundly shape their lives and the communities they were to serve. An international ensemble of missionaries, including three from Canada, two from Texas, one from France, and one from England, arrived in Papua New Guinea at the invitation of Bishop William Kurtz of Kundiawa.
“We went to Papua New Guinea without really knowing where we were going,” Sister Claude chuckles, recalling the initial confusion over their destination, “Even today, I bet many of your readers will think it is somewhere in Africa!”
(Just in case, Papua New Guinea is not in Africa, but in Oceania, south of the Equator and north of Australia!)
Hearing Sister Claude describe it, one can easily imagine the chain of islands that make Papua New Guinea as a mosaic of untamed beauty and ancient traditions, where every stone tells a story and every path leads to new natural wonder, from incredible beaches and coral reefs to active volcanos an
d dense rainforest.
From a Catholic perspective, it is easy to understand why Pope Francis will visit this country next September. In the words of Sister Claude, “In Papua New Guinea, every smile is a prayer, every handshake a sermon, and every sunrise a benediction.”
Their mission was clear, if daunting: to bring the tenderness and merciful love of the Father, revealed in Jesus, to the poorest and most remote areas of the globe. The preparation was rigorous. “Our Mother Superior brought us together in France for eight weeks to get to know one another first. Identifying who could naturally lead was crucial,” Sr. Gadd explains. This preparation fortified them for the challenges ahead and solidified their bond as a team, crucial for their survival and success in the unfamiliar territory.
Assigned to the pastoral center of the Diocese of Kundiawa, Sr. Gadd quickly adapted to her new environment. “I was in charge of organizing courses, buying food, and coordinating with priests for teachings,” she recalls. Her early years were a whirlwind of activity, deeply immersing her in the community and its needs.
Sr. Gadd faced numerous challenges throughout her tenure, from logistical issues to cultural barriers. However, her impact was profound. She spearheaded child protection, education reform, and community development initiatives, often partnering with local leaders and international organizations like UNICEF. “We developed programs that were previously nonexistent here, focusing on safeguarding children and improving education,” Sr. Gadd proudly states.
Life in Papua New Guinea was starkly different from life in the United States. Sr. Gadd describes it as “a different world” marked by its simplicity and the people’s visceral connection with their environment. “Everything is very present to them. They don’t have a past or a future; they live for tod
“I would go back tomorrow if I could. The longer it takes, the harder it gets to imagine not returning.” – Sr. Claude Gadd.
ay,” she reflects.
In 2023, health issues forced Sr. Gadd to return to the U.S. for treatment. The transition has been difficult, with her battling not just physical ailments but also a longing for the mission field. “I miss the purposefulness of my days there,” she admits with a hint of sorrow in her tone.
Despite her physical absence, Sr. Gadd’s legacy in Papua New Guinea continues. Many of the programs she helped start have been adopted as national policies. She remains hopeful about the future of missionary work in the region, offering advice to those who might follow in her footsteps. “Go with humility, learn from those you serve, and prepare to be changed as much as you seek to make a change,” she advises.
Sr. Claude Gadd’s story is one of extraordinary commitment and transformation, not only of herself but of the many lives she touched. Her work stands as a testament to the power of faith and dedication in the face of adversity.
