Nairobi, 26 June, 2023 / 9:42 pm (ACI Africa).
Sr. Gloria Cecilia Narváez Argoti, a missionary who was abducted in Mali in February 2017 and held for nearly five years has described the years she spent with her abductors as “spiritually transformative” and a blessing in her life.
The Colombian Catholic Nun who was kidnapped in Southern Mali by what was later discovered to be a jihadi group, narrated her experience in the Foreword of the 2023 edition of the Religious Freedom in the World Report, which Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) published on June 22.
“Undoubtedly, it was one of the most spiritually transformative experiences of my life. Today, looking back, even though it sounds paradoxical, it was perhaps one of the greatest blessings that God has given me,” Sr. Gloria said in the report on Christian persecution, which painted a grim picture of Africa.
She said that writing the Foreword of the report was an opportunity to speak out against religious intolerance and Christian persecution.
“I am aware of the importance of speaking about this fundamental right – religious liberty – to ensure that it is protected, especially within a polarized society where attempts are made to sweep under the carpet the abuses committed against the freedom to profess religious beliefs,” Sr Gloria said.