Nigeria calls for fasting and prayer ‘for release of all who have been kidnapped’

You’ll remember that a wave of kidnappings hit Catholic religious in Nigeria earlier this month.

Now, the latest news comes in a letter from the Conference of Major Superiors in Nigeria:

The issue of kidnapping is one of the country’s biggest challenges. Nigeria faces problems in education, unemployment and corruption, but kidnapping has drawn the attention of both Nigerians and international organizations. However, of more concern is the rate at which priests and consecrated persons are kidnapped in the country in recent times. It was only two weeks ago that the Sisters of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy were kidnapped on their way to Abuja and the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Sisters kidnapped from their community in Iguoriakhi, Edo State. As we celebrate the release of the DMMM Sisters and the priest in Orlu Diocese, the EHJ Sisters are yet to be released.

The Conference of Major Superiors of Nigeria, therefore, requests that in every diocese on 2 December, from 2 pm to 3 pm, that Consecrated Persons are to fast from food or any other thing and offer prayers for the release of all those who have been kidnapped and also for the government to attend to the issue of kidnapping with the seriousness it deserves. The Vicar for Religious should, therefore, liaise with consecrated persons in the diocese for a suitable venue and, if possible, the men of the press should be invited.

We wish you God’s blessings as you carry out your apostolates.

Pray for Nigeria!