Roman Catholic bishops in Mali are pushing for the release of a nun kidnapped last month in the country’s south.
Edmond Dembele, secretary general of the Episcopal Conference of Mali told Agenzia Fides, that the bishops were exploring “all possible paths” to obtain the release of Sister Cecilia Argoti Narváez, also referred to Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez Argoti. The Colombian nun, a member of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate was kidnapped on 7th February from the home she served in at Karangasso. Three other sisters managed to escape.
“Appeals are launched through the media to solicit the search for contacts with kidnappers” Fr Dembele said. “The Diocese of Karangasso is also trying to find intermediaries to find a contact with the kidnappers”.
Fr Dembele said that while some believe she was kidnapped by bandits in the hope of a ransom, 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”, he said.
