An Irish missionary kidnapped in Haiti has been released after nearly four weeks in captivity.
Gena Heraty, who directs a special needs program at the Saint-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, was taken on August 3 along with a child and six colleagues during an armed raid. She was freed this week with the others.
Fr. John Kenny, the vicar from her home parish of Westport in County Mayo, told Premier Christian News about the moment he heard of her release: “The phone rang... I couldn’t wait to answer... thank God it was great news.”
Fr. Kenny added that the church community is deeply relieved, saying: “You could sense the joy and happiness around the place. We’re a small community really, word spread very quickly so everybody was cheering and happy out and about saying, ‘Did you hear the good news?,’ so the news spread that way.”
Her family said in a statement: “We are relieved beyond words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone. We continue to hold Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those who are affected by the ongoing armed violence and insecurity there.”
Ireland’s deputy prime minister, Simon Harris, confirmed her release on social media. Haitian authorities have not yet commented.
Heraty, originally from Westport in County Mayo, has served in Haiti since 1993, helping care for about 270 children.
She is the latest missionary targeted by gangs, who now control much of Port-au-Prince.