Tom Catena Quotes

Powerful Tom Catena for Daily Growth

About Tom Catena

Tom Catena is an American physician, humanitarian, and a devout Catholic, renowned for his tireless work in the conflict-ridden Nuba Mountains of Sudan. Born on December 17, 1974, in New York City, Catena was raised by his mother, a nurse, instilling in him a deep appreciation for the medical field and a compassionate spirit. After completing his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, Catena attended medical school at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. His religious faith played a significant role in shaping his worldview, inspiring him to prioritize service to others above personal ambition. In 2010, Dr. Catena moved to Sudan to work at Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains, one of the few hospitals serving a population of over 750,000 people amidst ongoing conflict. Despite facing numerous challenges and risks, including repeated bombings of the hospital, Catena remained committed to his patients. His work has been chronicled in several documentaries, including "The Horn of Africa" and "The Heart of Nuba." In 2015, he was named a Time Magazine's Person of the Year for his humanitarian efforts. Quotes from Tom Catena reflect his unwavering dedication to his patients and faith: "I didn't come here to make a lot of money or because it was an adventure. I came here to help people." His life's work serves as a testament to the power of compassion, perseverance, and selflessness in the face of adversity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I never think about dying because if I do, I'll be dead."

This quote suggests that Dr. Tom Catena chooses not to dwell on the possibility of his own death as a way to continue living and fulfilling his purpose. By focusing on life instead of death, he remains active and engaged in his work, which is implied by his career as a physician serving in war-torn regions. This mindset allows him to endure challenging circumstances and maintain hopefulness and resilience.


"The suffering here is so great that it's hard to describe it in words."

Tom Catena's quote expresses the profound, heart-wrenching pain and struggle experienced in areas where resources are scarce and basic needs go unmet. It emphasizes that words often fail to capture the depth of human suffering, particularly when it reaches an overwhelming level as described here. The quote serves as a call for compassion and action towards those who live in such conditions, urging us to extend our help to alleviate their pain and hardship.


"The Bible says we should love our neighbors as ourselves. So when I take care of these patients, I feel like I'm loving my neighbor."

Tom Catena's quote emphasizes the idea that caring for others, especially in a medical context, is an act of love and compassion, akin to caring for oneself or one's neighbors as one would care for themselves. It suggests that treating patients with kindness, empathy, and diligence aligns with the teachings of love and humanity found within religious texts such as the Bible.


"People are asking me why I stay here. The answer is simple: because the patients need me."

This quote highlights Dr. Tom Catena's unwavering commitment to his patients, especially those in conflict-ridden areas where healthcare infrastructure is often weak or non-existent. He remains at his post, despite potential danger or hardship, because he believes in the importance of serving and caring for the people who need him most. It's a testament to the power of empathy, compassion, and selflessness in medicine and humanitarian work.


"I believe that God has given us the gift of medicine to heal those in need and bring hope to the hopeless."

This quote highlights the religious conviction and altruistic spirit of Dr. Tom Catena. He views medicine not just as a profession, but as a divine gift meant for compassionate service towards humanity. His commitment is to heal those in need and bring hope to the hopeless – implying that healing extends beyond physical well-being to instill hope and resilience in people facing adversity. It's an inspiring testament to his dedication to humanitarian work, empathy, and faith.


Probably 99 percent of Nuba are subsistence farmers. They have maybe two or three cattle, a few goats. Now there are food shortages, so they're very thin. But traditionally, they are very strong and muscular. They grow sorghum, okra, a bit of corn, some peanuts. If they need money, they'll sell one of their animals or sell some sorghum.

- Tom Catena

Some, Muscular, Very, Subsistence

I was influenced very much by St. Francis of Assisi, whose idea was to radically live the gospel. He was not a priest, or even a brother. He was a layperson. His whole concept was to emulate Christ through the gospels, and to live it in a radical way.

- Tom Catena

Through, Influenced, Very, Gospels

I don't think I've had any adversity. I mean, yeah, I studied hard in school, but that's not adversity. Everyone in the Nuba Mountains has faced incredible adversity, every single one of them. Just to finish primary school is an incredible challenge.

- Tom Catena

Mountains, Had, Yeah, Primary

I realized mechanical engineering doesn't much lend itself to missionary work.

- Tom Catena

Work, Mechanical, Itself, Missionary

Food is a weapon - a very effective weapon. People don't cultivate, don't farm, you cut the road off, then you subjugate them very easily.

- Tom Catena

Very, Cut, Them, Farm

I was with a Navy F-18 squadron, and I know a single squadron could finish off the entire Sudanese air force in a day.

- Tom Catena

Navy, Could, Squadron, Air Force

I've been given benefits from the day I was born. A loving family. A great education. So I see it as an obligation, as a Christian and as a human being, to help.

- Tom Catena

Benefits, Human Being, Given, Obligation

My father and mother are Muslims. But from the moment I started talking, I decided I was a Christian. They let me.

- Tom Catena

Father, Talking, Started, Muslims

The Sudanese army has retaken some towns. The people there are all living in caves because the Sudanese army is shelling their villages.

- Tom Catena

Living, Some, Villages, Towns

My parents have been married 50-some years, and I've never heard them fight. I got the chance to attend great universities and medical school.

- Tom Catena

Chance, Medical, Been, Attend

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