2017-03-28 18:50:00

Bishops of Mali issue new appeal for the release of kidnapped nun

The Episcopal Conference of Mali is appealing to the public to help secure the release of kidnapped Sr Cecilia Argoti Narvaez, of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate.

Sr Narvaez, of Colombian nationality was kidnapped on 7 February 2017 in Karangasso, southern Mali.

“We are appealing to the public and the media to help us solicit the search for contacts with kidnappers for the release of Sr Cecilia Narvaez. The Diocese of Karangasso is also trying to find intermediaries to find a contact with the kidnappers,” Fr Edmond Dembele, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Mali told Fides recently.

“We are exploring all possible paths to obtain Sister Cecilia’s release and are calling upon the faithful to keep praying for her,” he added.

He called on those with any information regarding the whereabouts of the kidnappers to report the matter immediately to relevant authorites.

“Some people believe that bandits in the area kidnapped the Sister in the hope of getting a ransom, and now do not know how to handle the situation. Others believe jihadists kidnapped her,” said Fr Dembele.

Recently, a special Guala anti-kidnapping group of Colombia's National Police was sent to Mali to help local authorities find Sister Cecilia Narváez Argoti.

(Agenzia Fides)