UCA News
Contribute

Philippine bishops offer help to kidnapped seafarers

Somali pirates free five sailors held captive for four years
Philippine bishops offer help to kidnapped seafarers
Published: October 28, 2016 07:50 AM GMT
Updated: October 28, 2016 07:51 AM GMT

The Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People of the Philippine bishops' conference has offered to assist five Filipinos recently released by Somali pirates.

"We offer them our pastoral and spiritual support and other assistance that are in our commission’s capacity to provide," said Bishop Ruperto Santos, head of the commission.

The five Filipinos were among 26 seafarers recently freed by Somali pirates after being held captive for more than four years.

In a statement on Oct. 27, Bishop Santos urged Filipinos to welcome home the seafarers who were taken from a ship in the Indian Ocean.

"Their ordeal has no doubt been harrowing. Away from family, anxious, and fearful about their uncertain fate, they must have suffered great pain and anguish," said the prelate.

"We assure them of our continued prayers, and that of the loving embrace of their families and friends," said Bishop Santos.

 

 

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia