🔥🕊️ Irish Missionary and 3-Year-Old Among Nine Kidnapped in Haiti

GOOD MORNING.

A new academic paper is shaking up the debate around the Shroud of Turin: using 3D simulations, researchers found that the cloth’s image aligns far more closely with a low-relief sculpture—think tomb carvings—than with an actual human body .

This suggests the legendary relic may be a remarkable piece of medieval Christian art, not a burial cloth.

So far, religions scholars and the Shroud’s custodial center say there’s nothing new here—it’s a well-known projection theory—but the cutting-edge digital method has reignited the conversation

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SPECIAL REPORT

Orphanage Raided by Armed Gang

On August 3, a heavily armed gang stormed the Saint-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, abducting nine individuals, including longtime Irish missionary Gena Heraty, a 3-year-old child with disabilities, and seven other staff members. The orphanage, located in the mountains southeast of Port-au-Prince, is run by the non-profit NPFS (Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs) and has long served as a haven for vulnerable children in Haiti.

Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived during a power outage and used force to gain entry. The gang, suspected to be part of the increasingly powerful “Viv Ansanm” coalition, has not issued a ransom demand publicly, but the group is known for its involvement in kidnappings-for-profit.

Gena Heraty: A Life of Service in Haiti

Gena Heraty, originally from County Mayo, Ireland, has lived in Haiti for over three decades, devoting her life to caring for children with special needs. Her unwavering commitment made her a beloved figure both locally and abroad, earning her several humanitarian awards in Ireland and recognition from religious and civic leaders.

She oversees programs for children with disabilities within the NPFS network and is widely admired for staying in Haiti through political instability, natural disasters, and escalating violence. Friends and colleagues have launched social media campaigns under hashtags like #FreeGena and #BringThemHome, calling on authorities to act swiftly.

Global Condemnation and Security Crisis

The kidnapping highlights Haiti’s spiraling security crisis, where gangs now control an estimated 80% of the capital and surrounding regions. International observers and NGOs have condemned the continued lawlessness, calling for urgent intervention to protect civilians and humanitarian workers.

Irish officials have confirmed they are in contact with both Haitian authorities and international partners to facilitate the hostages’ safe return. Religious leaders, including the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, have urged prayers and diplomatic pressure to bring an end to the violence against aid workers.

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REGIONAL THREATS

AFRICA

• MPUMALANGA, SOUTH AFRICA – Mpumalanga police have launched a manhunt for two armed men who attacked church congregants and robbed them of their belongings in Calcutta.

• NGARA, KENYA – A pastor in Nairobi’s Ngara area reportedly opened fire during a standoff with auctioneers attempting to repossess church property, escalating a financial dispute into violence.

• PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA – At least 17 Christians were killed by Fulani militants in ongoing attacks across Bokkos LGA. Homes were burned, and survivors displaced.

• UKANAFUN, NIGERIA – A 45-year-old man was shot dead inside a church while sleeping there with his family. Police are investigating whether the incident was a homicide.

• BOKKOS, NIGERIA – Nine Christians were killed in separate attacks by armed militants on farming communities in Bokkos, Plateau State. Homes were destroyed and survivors displaced.

MIDDLE EAST & CENTRAL ASIA

• TARTUS, SYRIA - Internal security forces in Tartous Governorate have foiled a plot to bomb a church in the village of Al-Kharibat in Safita district after arresting two individuals as they were trying to carry out the terrorist attack.

SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIA

• BANTWAL, INDIA – Three teenage suspects were arrested for stealing ₹15,000 from donation boxes near a church and school. The theft occurred in Vittal, and charges have been filed under local criminal code.

• JAMSHEDPUR, INDIA – A peaceful Christian family dinner was interrupted by police and a mob over unfounded conversion rumors. Six guests were detained despite no evidence of religious activity.

• MALKANGIRI, INDIA – At least 30 Christians were attacked returning from a religious event; 10 pastors were hospitalized, and one later died from critical injuries following the ambush.

• SULTHAN BATHERY, INDIA – A Christian pastor was threatened with mutilation by Bajrang Dal members over alleged conversions. Police filed a suo motu case after a threatening video went viral.

• SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Police raided a church belonging to an activist pastor suspected of inciting a violent courthouse protest. The church is under investigation for possible political and legal violations.

• SUKABUMI, INDONESIA – A mob of around 200 people stormed a Christian youth gathering at a private home, forcing attendees to flee and vandalizing the building. Seven suspects have been arrested.

LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

• CALI, COLOMBIA – The decapitated body of a goat was discovered on July 30 in a trash bag outside a Catholic church in the Mariano Ramos neighborhood. Locals sprinkled holy water on the remains, and police are reviewing CCTV footage.

• KENSCOFF, HAITI – Armed men kidnapped nine individuals—including Irish missionary Gena Heraty and a 3-year-old child—from a Christian orphanage run by the Saint-Hélène mission. The kidnapping is linked to gang activity in the Port-au-Prince region.

• CAMPINAS, BRAZIL – A 46-year-old dermatologist was arrested after breaking into and vandalizing a church. Surveillance footage captured him forcing entry into the locked building.

• APURE, VENEZUELA – A former evangelical pastor was shot dead in Apure state. Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the killing, which may be tied to a local dispute.

NORTH AMERICA

• SEATTLE, UNITED STATES – A man was fatally shot near the University of Washington, marking Seattle’s 23rd homicide of 2025. Police believe it may have been a targeted attack and are seeking a suspect seen fleeing in a white sedan.

• KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES – A man was arrested after burglarizing a church and attempting to sell stolen religious items at a scrapyard.

• CLACKAMAS COUNTY, UNITED STATES – A 20-year-old man was arrested for setting fire to a church in Hubbard, Oregon. He faces arson, burglary, and mischief charges.

EUROPE

• CUMBERNAULD, SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM – A large fire severely damaged the historic St Mungo’s Trinity Parish Church, prompting evacuations and emergency response. The cause is under investigation.

• HARKIV REGION, UKRAINE – A Ukrainian drone reportedly targeted a church in Russian-occupied Kharkiv region. Damage and casualties are under review by Russian sources.

• PORTO, PORTUGAL – A man was arrested for attempting to rob a church in Porto. He broke in by damaging the entrance, but was quickly apprehended.

• ORDUÑA, SPAIN – Five elderly nuns were kidnapped in the town of Orduña, prompting a nationwide alert. Spanish authorities are investigating possible motives and suspects.

• TYLDESLEY, UNITED KINGDOM – Thieves stole over 50 York stone slabs from St. George’s Church, causing damage ahead of its 200th anniversary and prompting an urgent fundraising appeal.

AUSTRALIA & OCEANIA

• No current updates.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please lift up in prayer the Christians in Indonesia and India who are facing hostility, threats, and violence simply for gathering in worship, converting to Christianity, or sharing their faith.

In both countries, vague or misused laws have emboldened mobs and officials to harass, detain, or attack believers.

Pray for divine protection over Christian communities, especially pastors and new converts. Ask God to strengthen them with courage and hope, to soften the hearts of persecutors, and to bring justice where there is abuse.

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