“With the community of the Sisters of Saint Anne and the Haitian Conference of Religious, the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince gives thanks to the Lord for the release of the six Sisters and the other people kidnapped with them on January 19. This traumatic event once again tested our faith, but it remains unshakeable."

Nicaragua and Belarus lead the list of authoritarian regimes detaining priests and religious to punish the Church for operating freely and speaking out against injustice. In Belarus, at least 10 were detained by the authorities, with three still behind bars as 2023 ended.

"Lord Jesus, enlighten our leaders. Lord Jesus, destroy the desire for war. Lord Jesus, dispel hatred. Lord Jesus, strengthen hope. Lord Jesus, reconcile all hearts. Lord Jesus, unite all nations in you. Lord Jesus, protect the poor and helpless. Lord Jesus, comfort those who suffer."

“I have never left this place. I know nothing of the world, but I believe in God. He gives me eternal life. I called the friars here to baptize my children. I don’t want anybody to die without getting to know God. Now, the names of all my children are written in Heaven.”

“ACN came into my life several years ago. It is a charity I trust because I know that it is a Catholic organization and that the money it receives is well spent. There are so many desperate situations in the world, so I am eager to help in any way I can."

The 19 clerics were imprisoned in Nicaragua for speaking out against injustices and human rights violations, or merely for trying to operate freely. Bur concern remains over the fact that they have been forced to leave the country.