Blessings falling from heaven
When we least expect it, blessings fall from heaven. Today was one of those days when, without expecting anything special, we caught a glimpse of God’s grace. Today, at the Generalate, we had the joy of receiving Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez.
Sister Gloria’s photo appeared on many social networks the day her liberation was confirmed after four years and eight months of kidnapping.
The calvary began on the night of 7 February 2017 in Karangasso, southern Mali, when four armed men burst into her congregation. The men apparently wanted to take two other young Colombian sisters, but Sister Gloria gave herself up to the kidnappers, claiming to be “the superior”. They kidnapped her and fled in a Congregation vehicle.
With just enough time to share a meal and a visit to the crypt of Cardinal Lavigerie, one could perceive that Sister Gloria is a woman of a very special human quality in whom there is not the slightest resentment against those who deprived her of her freedom.
To meet people who, by their simple presence, naturally lead us to imitate Christ is surely a blessing from heaven and also a reminder that we are all called to be witnesses of Christ in the world.
Salvador Muñoz Ledo
