Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bamako (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops of Mali have launched an initiative to obtain the release of Cecilia Argoti Narváez, the religious of Colombian nationality of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate, who was kidnapped on February 7 in Karangasso in southern Mali (see Fides 08/02/2017).
"The Bishops are exploring all possible paths to obtain Sister Cecilia’s release", explains don Edmond Dembele, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Mali to Agenzia Fides.
"Appeals are launched through the media to solicit the search for contacts with kidnappers" says don Dembele. "The Diocese of Karangasso is also trying to find intermediaries to find a contact with the kidnappers".
The priest reports: "some believe that bandits in the area kidnapped the religious in the hope of getting a ransom, and now do not know how to handle the situation. Others believe jihadists kidnapped her".
"The Episcopal Conference of Mali, along with the Diocese of Karangasso, is launching appeals to kidnappers and those who can offer concrete information, calling at the same time the community of faithful to intensify their prayer for Sister Cecilia’s release", concluded don Dembele. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 24/03/2017)
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