An Irish missionary and a three-year-old child are among eight people released in Haiti after almost a month in captivity, following an armed attack on an orphanage.
Gena Heraty, who has served in Haiti since 1993, directs a special needs program for children and adults at the Saint-Hélène orphanage.
“We are relieved beyond words,” read a family statement. “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.”
Gena Heraty was freed after being held by an armed gang for nearly a month. [Image credit: University of Limerick]
Heraty and the others were abducted during an attack on August 3 at the orphanage, which is run by Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters), an international charity with offices in Mexico and France. The organization cares for more than 240 children.
No group has claimed responsibility, but the area is under the control of the gang federation “Viv Ansanm,” designated earlier this year by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization.
The incident comes amid worsening violence in Haiti, where gangs now control around 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
In May 2024, three Christians were killed in an armed robbery as they were leaving church in Port-au-Prince.
How You Can Pray
Ask the Lord to comfort and strengthen Gena Heraty, the children, and all those recently freed after their ordeal in captivity. Pray for healing from the trauma they have endured and for their continued safety. Ask Him to protect the children and staff of the Saint-Hélène orphanage, and all who serve vulnerable communities in Haiti. Ask the Lord to bring peace and stability to Haiti, to restrain those who do evil, and to provide comfort for all who live under the shadow of gangs and insecurity.
