Sister Gloria Cecilia Narváez Argoti, a Catholic missionary abducted in the west African country of Mali, describes her five-year-captivity as “spiritually transformative” and a blessing in her life.
The Colombian nun was abducted in February 2017 in Southern Mali by what was later discovered to be a jihadi group.
She narrated her experience in the Foreword of the 2023 edition of the Religious Freedom in the World Report, which Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) published on June 22.
“Undoubtedly, it was one of the most spiritually transformative experiences of my life. Today, looking back, even though it sounds paradoxical, it was perhaps one of the greatest blessings that God has given me,” Sister Gloria said in the report on Christian persecution, which painted a grim picture of Africa.
She said that writing the Foreword of the report was an opportunity to speak out against religious intolerance and Christian persecution.
“I am aware of the importance of speaking about this fundamental right – religious liberty – to ensure that it is protected, especially within a polarized society where attempts are made to sweep under the carpet the abuses committed against the freedom to profess religious beliefs,” Sister Gloria said.
The member of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate added that her mission in Mali and her experience with jihadists in the West African country had taught her the importance of love and respect regardless of one’s religious affiliation.
She narrated having shared her captivity with two women: a Muslim and a Protestant, and added, “I learned that if we love, accept and respect one another, we can live as brothers and sisters.”
Accepting one another, she clarified, does not mean giving up one’s beliefs, “for true respect, is about listening, welcoming, and acknowledging everyone for who they are.”