Sr. Gloria was held with two other women, a Muslim and a Protestant. ACN reports that in her work as a missionary, the Catholic Nun lived tolerance and respect for others, clearly aware that this was essential to perform her work.
“If we respect the freedom of others to live their religion, then we can receive that same respect,” she told ACN Colombia, adding that she, however, did not receive any respect when she was abducted.
Even then, her captivity provided her with an opportunity to firmly defend her faith, she told ACN Colombia, and explained, “They asked me to repeat bits of Muslim prayers, to wear Islamic-style garments, but I always let it be known that I was born in the Catholic faith, that I grew up in that religion, and that for nothing in the world would I change that, even if it cost me my life.”
On several occasions, the Catholic Nun nearly met her death when she defended her faith, she recalled, adding that she received divine protection when she surrendered her situation to God.
The Colombian Nun told ACN that on at least five occasions, God or the Blessed Virgin actually intervened to protect her.
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“On one occasion, for example, a large viper circled several times around the place where she slept without approaching her; on another occasion, a very large and stocky guard suddenly stood in the way of another man who was about to slash her veins,” ACN narrates in the January 5 report.
Sharing her Congregation’s mission in Africa, the Catholic Nun said, “The Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate have been in Mali for more than 25 years. One of our main concerns is the empowerment of women, with special emphasis on literacy, because in that country education is practically non-existent for them.”
To this end, local women are taught basic farming techniques and sewing, so that gradually they can boost their independence and become self-sufficient.
The Colombian Catholic Nun said that health professionals supported them in teaching mothers and fathers what to do in case of pregnancy. This affected men so much “that they even came to us to ask for help so that we could teach them how to do domestic chores and take care of their young children in case the women died,” Sr. Gloria told ACN.
The charity foundation reports that in Mali and other African countries, death by childbirth or just a few days after is commonplace. This prompted the Catholic Nuns to equip mothers with skills to take care of their children.
“The parents entrusted us with the care of their babies, which we did with great pleasure, but we got the parents to commit to their children, visit them frequently, and spend time with them,” said the Colombian missionary Nun.
ACN reports that the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate assimilated the Malian culture, making themselves available and spending time with and talking to people.
The Catholic foundation says in reference to the Missionary Congregation’s relationship with the Malian people, “They met with them at any time of the day or night, listened to them, tried to help them with their problems, taught them to deal with children’s minor ailments. They even planned evenings, putting on plays, singing and dancing shows, which were also attended by some Muslim village chiefs.”
“In Mali, about 90 per cent of the population is Muslim. Sr. Gloria lived in the north of the country,” ACN reports, and adds, “Families welcomed them into their homes and shared their food with them. At the end of Ramadan, for example, they were invited to celebrate in their homes and there was always friendliness.”
In the interview with ACN Colombia, Sr. Gloria expressed her readiness to go back “to Africa or to anywhere God wants”, where she said missionaries are needed.
The Catholic Nun said that she believes that as missionaries, they are called to meet all the needs of “the brothers and sisters who suffer the most.”
Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.