Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - In the Philippines prayer and searching continues for Fr. Giancarlo Bossi, PIME abducted in Zamboanga on 10 June by unidentified kidnappers. The local police and the army continue the search in the peninsula of Zamboanga and surrounding islands, especially Basilan, where, according to the latest reports, the priest may be detained, said Bishop Martin Jumoad, in charge of the Prelature of Isabela, on the island of Basilan, although nothing is certain at this point and news the authenticity of news of is difficult to establish.
“We hope for positive developments. Our communities continue to pray while we search for contact, information, possible mediators. Many are helping. The people are sympathetic and this spells well for persuasion for the release of Fr Bossi”, Fides was told by PIME missionary Fr. Luciano Benedetti, a confrere of Fr. Giancarlo. In Zamboanga.
“Another Sunday has passed without Fr. Giancarlo, Good Samaritan Sunday”, they say at the PIME house in the Philippines, remembering the charity and attention the missing priest has always shown to those most in need without any discrimination.
“In actual fact - they say at PIME -in the Philippines (85 million population) there are only a few terrorists, but crime and violence easily spreads among people who are prisoners of poverty, political, economic and cultural conflict”. Moreover the local civil and military authorities are certain the priest will be released, "they are anxious to encourage us. He is an honest and dedicated missionary animated by a desire to serve and love. The people of Mindanao respect and love him. And this gives us hope”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/7/2007 righe 25 parole 278)
