The family of an Irishwoman who was among eight people taken by armed kidnappers in Haiti have asked people to keep the group “in your hearts”.
Gena Heraty and seven others, including a three-year-old child, were taken from an orphanage in Kenscoff in southern Haiti on Sunday.
Ms Heraty, from Westport in Co Mayo, has worked in the Caribbean country for decades.
She oversees the orphanage, which is operated by the humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers And Sisters) and is located about 12 miles from the capital Port-au-Prince.
Ireland’s deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs, Simon Harris, said he spoke by phone to Haiti’s foreign minister, Harvel Jean-Baptiste, and asked that everything be done to secure the release of the group.
The Irishwoman’s siblings were joined by local people to pray for her safe return at a mass in her parish church on Monday.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that her family was “still coming to terms with the awful news”.
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It said it is working with all concerned parties in both countries “who have all assured us that everything possible is being done to get Gena, and those taken with her, safely released as soon as possible”.
“Gena is loved and respected by so many people, as is evident in the outpouring of concern, support and prayers from everyone near and far.”
The statement said the family asked for “discretion and patience”.
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Mr Harris said he had been in contact with Ms Heraty’s family on Monday and officials in his department would remain in “constant” touch with them, admitting the last few days had been “extremely traumatic” for the families of all those kidnapped.
The minister said his Haitian counterpart, foreign affairs minister Harvel Jean Baptiste, “assured me of his support in our work to ensure the safe release of Gena, and all the hostages, who have gone through the most horrendous of ordeals”.
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Viatores Christi, a lay missionary organisation, said that one of its members, Ms Heraty, was taken by armed individuals from her home at the NPFS compound in Kenscoff on Sunday morning.
“Gena has worked in Haiti for over 30 years, dedicating her life to children and adults with disabilities.”
“Her commitment, compassion and steady presence have made a lasting difference to many families in the region,” the group said.
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Fr John Kenny, a Westport parish priest, said the local community was “saddened and shocked” by the kidnap of Ms Heraty, whom he described as “wonderful, generous and caring”.
He said Ms Heraty’s sister Mary spoke at Monday’s service in her local parish church in Cushlough.
