Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - Scalabrini missionary Fr. Lucio Bula who disappeared 31 December 2006 in the area of Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, has been seen in Manila alive and well, according to local Church sources. The same sources say that Fr Bula had not been taken hostage, instead he had wanted to hide from armed gunmen who were following him in Mindanao (reason unclear) and decided to go the capital Manila.
The Scalabrini congregation at present holding a general chapter in Rome is relieved and thanks those who offered prayers for the safety of Fr Bula.
There was growing concern for the missionary’s plight since no ransom request was received. One reason for hope for a positive outcome was the fact that none of the radical groups which have taken missionaries hostage in the past claimed responsibility for the disappearance of Fr Bula.
The investigation started by the local authorities continues especially among members of the priest’s family, with whom Fr Luci spent Christmas. Catholics and Fr Bula’s confreres in the diocese of Cagayan De Oro were searching for the priest. Now they want to discover the identity of the armed men who were following him and the reason why.
Pastoral work in Mindanao and Sula is dangerous because of various criminal and terrorist groups which resort to kidnapping as a means of self-funding. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/1/2007 righe 26 parole 258)
