Family of kidnapped Irish missionary 'on tenterhooks' awaiting news, parish priest says

(OSV News) -- The Irish government has vowed that it is leaving no stone unturned to try to ensure the release of an Irish lay missionary who was kidnapped near the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.

Gena Heraty was abducted along with several others, including a 3-year-old child, from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, by a suspected criminal gang.

A local priest in her native Westport, in the shadows of the holy mountain Croagh Patrick, said her family was very anxious about securing her safe release.

Father John Kenny said the family is "on tenterhooks" awaiting news.

He described Heraty as a "wonderful, generous, caring and compassionate person."

Kidnapping for ransom is not uncommon in the Caribbean country, which has been beset by political instability for many years, exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

In the first half of 2025, United Nations figures show that almost 350 people were kidnapped in Haiti. At least 3,141 people were also killed in the same period, the U.N. Human Rights Office said.

The Association of Missionaries and Religious in Ireland has appealed for prayers for Heraty and thanked the Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris for working for her safe and speedy release.

In a statement, Heraty's sister Mary said the family had been assured by the Irish government and various voluntary organizations and charities that they are doing everything in their power to have her and the other captives released.

Father Kenny said Heraty's family is "very appreciative" of the support they have received since she was abducted from the orphanage.

"Well, we were shocked first of all to hear the news," he said, "and we kind of suspected it might be Gena because she has such a high profile in our community."

He said local people do a lot of fundraising for the orphanage. "Everyone is expressing their concern and solidarity with the members of her family, who are very upset and naturally on tenterhooks," he told national broadcaster RTÉ, following Mass celebrated for Heraty in her hometown.

Irish newspapers are reporting that a criminal gang in Haiti has already contacted the charity which runs the orphanage, Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters).

However, the Irish Sun tabloid reported that "the gang made a ransom demand that is far beyond the charity's financial abilities."

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs refused to confirm or deny this latest claim, insisting that Irish officials are doing all they can with local partners to secure a safe and speedy release.

Foreign Minister Harris said "intensive and ongoing efforts" are continuing "aimed at securing the release of Gena, as well as the seven other hostages being held captive in Haiti.

"This is an extremely sensitive case; one that is being worked on tirelessly by our teams in Dublin, Washington and London," Harris added.