Zamboanga (AsiaNews) – True freedom, not only for Fr Giancarlo Bossi but for his abductors, “trapped in a cycle of violence and sin” and for all those who are involving themselves in the situation: they should be “freed from any sinful inclinations that might come in the guise of righteousness”.
This is the thrust of a long prayer published today by the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions in the Philippines, who are asking God to free Fr Bossi – exactly one month after he was kidnapped from his parish of Payao – and to liberate also his abductors and those who are seeking to exploit this situation for political or ideological motives.
We publish the full text below:
Today marks one month since Fr Giancarlo Bossi, missionary of the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions was kidnapped. Pictures of him have come out on TV and in the newspapers. We see in his face the hardships he is enduring and we are filled with concern for his welfare. Of course, we continue to pray fervently for his freedom.
Freedom! Fr Giancarlo answered the call of the Lord to follow Him in the mission of proclaiming God’s Kingdom, a Kingdom of peace where all people enjoy the liberty of God’s children. Now his unconditional commitment to that calling and mission has cost him his own freedom, as he is being held unjustly by criminal elements, who have yet to reveal their true intentions. Lord, set him free!
Freedom! The kidnappers of Fr Bossi might believe that they are in control of the situation. To them we say: “Brothers, don’t you realize that when you engage in this criminal activity, you become trapped in a cycle of violence and sin? You too are in need of freedom; you need to be freed from the chains of selfishness and evil.” Lord, set them free!
Freedom! We have noted the tendency of some to use the suffering of Fr Bossi in order to further political and/or ideological ambitions. We pray that all those who involve themselves in this situation will be free from self-interest and political maneuverings. Lord, set them free!
Freedom! Each of us can ask ourselves if we are truly free: free from fear, anxiety and worry; free from prejudice and judgement; free from resentment and desire for revenge. As we continue to pray for the safe release of our brother Giancarlo, we too seek freedom from any sinful inclinations that might come in the guise of righteousness. Lord, set us free!
Freedom! We continue to thank from the bottom of our hearts all those who join us in solidarity and prayer for Fr Giancarlo Bossi. May he soon be free to return to the ministry of peace and liberty which he so loves. Lord, we beg you, set him free. Lord, we beg you, grant true freedom to all your people.
The PIME Missionaries in the Philippines.