By Charles Igwe
The Catholic Church in Haiti, represented by the Haitian Conference of Religious (CHR) and the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, orchestrated a day of prayer, meditation, and Eucharistic adoration on January 24, fervently seeking divine intervention for the release of individuals abducted by an armed gang. Among the captives are six nuns from the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Anne.
Fr Morachel Bonhomme, the CHR president, officially confirmed on January 19 the distressing incident involving the hijacking of a bus transporting the nuns and others. In a joint statement issued on January 22, Bonhomme and Metropolitan Archbishop of Port-au-Prince Max Mésidor urged priests, religious individuals, and the laity to unite in a continuous prayer chain across parishes and communities, beseeching for the safe release of the kidnapped victims.
Strongly denouncing the “heinous and criminal” act, the Church leaders condemned the widespread kidnappings occurring in Haiti with alarming impunity, causing distress among citizens of goodwill and adversely affecting the country’s international image. Expressing solidarity with the Congregation of Sisters of St. Anne and the families of all those abducted, the Church highlighted the violence perpetrated by crime gangs that operate with impunity, controlling a significant portion of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
In a powerful gesture, Bishop Pierre André Dumas of the Diocese of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne offered to take the place of those held captive, appealing directly to the conscience of the kidnappers. Dumas emphasized the egregious nature of kidnapping women dedicated to serving the impoverished and young, describing it as an act that will face divine judgment. The captors are reportedly demanding $3 million for the release of the nuns and their companions.
Bishop Dumas underscored the pastoral and humanitarian contributions of the Sisters of St. Anne, who have devoted themselves to healing the wounds of one of the world’s poorest populations. The Church’s plea for the release of the hostages echoes not only humanitarian concerns but also a resolute condemnation of criminal acts that threaten the lives of those dedicated to selfless service.
