The Archdiocese of PortauPrince and the Conference of Religious of Haiti announced that this Wednesday, January 24, will be a day dedicated to prayer, meditation and Eucharistic adoration. All Haitian believers are called to organize “a chain of unceasing prayers” for the release of the six nuns kidnapped on January 19, along with their driver and a passenger in the minibus that transported them.
JeanBenoît Harel News from the Vatican
“May they stop trampling on the inalienable dignity of the children of God!” This is the cry from the heart of Archbishop Max Leroys Mesidore of PortauPrince, President of the Haitian Episcopal Conference, and Father Morachel Bonhomme, President of the Conference of the Haitian Bishops Religious of Haiti.
The scourge of kidnapping
In a joint press release on Monday, January 22nd, the two “strongly and firmly” condemn the kidnapping of eight people on the morning of Friday, January 19th, including six nuns from the Congregation of the Sisters of Saints ANA.
In solidarity with the families of all other abducted people, the two churchmen call on Haitian leaders to live up to their responsibilities: “It is time to take the necessary measures to eradicate the scourges of kidnapping and violence by armed groups. “which is plunging the country into an increasingly confusing and chaotic situation.”
A day of prayer for your deliverance
The statement then addresses the kidnappers directly and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those kidnapped. “In the name of God, whom you should fear, stop these vile and criminal practices that defile this holy land God has given us!”
Finally, Archbishop Mesidor and Father Bonhomme announced that they would dedicate Wednesday, January 24, to prayer, meditation and Eucharistic adoration. They then invite all priests, religious and lay people to organize “in all parishes and communities a continuous chain of prayer for the release of the abductees and their families.”