"The story of this devout Irish priest from Killarney, and skilled Vatican diplomat, is incredible to behold.”

“At a young age and with a bright future ahead of her in Ireland, she decided instead to dedicate her life to those in need in what was already then a virtual war zone.”

One of the world’s poorest countries before the conflict erupted in 2013, South Sudan is now facing violence, illness and extreme poverty, which are destroying the lives of millions.

“Poverty in a priest still touches hearts, while ostentation always alienates.”

Sr Orla Treacy IBVM from Bray is principal of the Loreto Secondary School in Rumbek which has grown from 35 students to 183 since it opened in 2008.

"Living in Ethiopia is like living in America compared to South Sudan.”