Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - “The Holy Father's expression of his closeness, via Father Lombardi, to the two kidnapped sisters is important for us. I hope that the two sisters, as has occurred in other similar cases in other parts of the world, have heard the radio and thus, been able to hear news of the Pope's concern for them,” Archbishop Paul Alain Lebeaupin, Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya, told Agenzia Fides. On November 27, Fr. Federico Lombardi, Director of the Holy See Press Office, declared: “More than a fortnight has passed since the two Italian nuns, Sr. Maria Teresa Olivero and Sr. Caterina Giraudo, were abducted in Kenya, where they are well-known for their generous dedication to the very poor. The Holy Father is following the protraction of their kidnapping with concern and remains close in prayer to the suffering, not only of the two kidnapped nuns, but also to that of their families and of the 'Contemplative Missionary Movement of Fr. de Foucauld', of which they are members. The hope is that this painful and gravely unjust situation, of which entirely innocent and praiseworthy people are victims, may be resolved as soon as possible.”
Archbishop Lebeaupin says that “these words are a consolation to the sisters' families, their Congregations, and for all of us who are working to find a positive solution to their kidnapping. I also hope that the two sisters can listen to the radio and that these words reach them. I have spent ample time serving in Latin America and I have followed several cases of kidnappings. That is why I know that it is important that a prisoner not feel abandoned.” Sister Rinuccia Giraudo y Sister Maria Teresa Oliver, of the Contemplative Missionary Movement of Fr. de Foucauld of Cuneo (Italy), were kidnapped on November 10, at their mission in El-Wak, located in a town in northeast Kenya, 10 km from the border with Somalia (LM) (Agenzia Fides 28/11/2008)
