An Irish lay missionary kidnapped in Haiti earlier this month has been released, alongside seven others.
Gena Heraty was kidnapped by armed gang members from the orphanage where she was working in Saint Helene, near Port au Prince, on the 3rd August.
She was one of eight people taken, including a three-year-old child. All have been returned.
Gena’s family said: “We are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return.”
Father John Kenny, from her home parish of Westport in County Mayo told Premier Christian News the local community had been praying for her release.
He described Gena as “valued in the community,” saying that locals had gathered for repeated masses and rosary prayers for her safe return.