Gena Heraty in ‘good spirits’ after release in Haiti

Gena Heraty is ‘thriving’ and in ‘good spirits’ after her release on Friday evening.

The news of her release was greeted with delight all across Mayo after her family confirmed that she had been released on Friday evening.

The Liscarney native was abducted along with seven others and a child from an orphanage in Kenscoff in Haiti on August 3.

NPH International have told The Mayo News that the Westport woman is ‘very thankful for the prayers and best wishes people have been sending.’

It is routine for hostages to be hospitalised after their release and Gena has since been discharged.

Nicholas Rogers from NPH International has communicated with her and says she's doing well and is very happy to be back with her NPH Haiti family.

“She likes to be with the people who she serves. She's gotten back into it, and she's even had an ice cream party since then.

“She's been very strong and she wanted to be with the team and be with the children who she supports and people with disabilities.”

‘Relieved beyond words’

In a statement the family said: “We are relieved beyond words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return.

“The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbours, communities, colleagues, and indeed those with no connection to us at all has been a huge source of comfort and support.

“For now our priority is Gena - her health, protection, and privacy - and those in her care. We kindly ask that the media respect the need for privacy as all those involved recover from this traumatic ordeal.

“We continue to hold Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those who are affected by the ongoing armed violence and insecurity there,” the statement from Ms Heraty’s family concluded.

Overjoyed

On Friday night, spontaneous applause broke out in the Sacred Heart Church in Cushlough when Fr Britus first mentioned Gena Heraty’s release.

The Mass was originally organised to conclude a 33 hour perpetual adoration for the safe release of Westport woman Gena Heraty and those kidnapped with her in Haiti.

Fortunately, very welcome events overtook the original purpose of the Mass as it was announced just over an hour beforehand that Gena Heraty and her colleagues had been released in Haiti.

The sense of relief and excitement at the news that Gena and her colleagues had been released beforehand was palpable.

Hugs and smiles before the Mass started reflected the weight being lifted off Gena’s friends and family in the community.

It has been nearly a month since Gena Heraty was kidnapped while running an orphanage for children with special needs in Haiti on August 3.

The community has prayed for her safe return each and every day since at 7pm in the church.

The incredible timing of the news that everyone locally wanted to hear arriving just over an hour before the finish of the community’s 33 hours of appreciation for the safe release of Gena Heraty and those kidnapped with her in Haiti was not lost on anyone.

“This very day when our prayers have reached its fullness, God has heard us and granted us this extraordinary grace. Truly, God is gracious and kind, and he has made this day beautiful for us,” Fr Britus told the packed church.

Thanking the very many local people who prayed for Gena in the church, as well those from across the globe who joined them in prayers, Fr Britus exclaimed that “this is a powerful proof of what we in Cushlough community know so well, whenever we come together as a community to pray for faith, God listens.”

Marian O’Malley grew up next door to the Heraty family and told The Mayo News that she is “so overjoyed that she's released along with her co-workers and the little child as well.”

READ MORE: Mayo ranked one of the best places in Ireland to start a business

‘Outcome we had all hoped for’

Tanáiste Simon Harris welcomed the news in a statement on Friday: “I am delighted to confirm that Irish humanitarian worker Gena Heraty has now been released. We warmly welcome the news that Gena and all of the Haitian nationals taken captive on August 3, including a small child, have been released and are reported to be safe and well.

“This is the outcome we had all hoped for and I want to sincerely thank all those who played a part in securing their release, including Gena’s colleagues at Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, the local community representatives, Haitian authorities, An Garda Síochána, our UN and European partners and the many officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their tireless work to achieve this result.

“This has of course been an extraordinarily difficult and stressful situation for the Heraty family. I wish to pay tribute to their resilience and determination to support Gena and her fellow captives over these past difficult weeks.

“Gena is a respected humanitarian and deeply courageous person who has dedicated her life to supporting the most vulnerable people in Haiti. This is a timely moment to recognise the work of all Irish humanitarians and missionaries working in challenging contexts and providing life-saving support in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and beyond. While we welcome this news, it is also important that we do not lose sight of the challenges facing the people of Haiti.

“I now send Gena, her family and all those released my very best wishes. We will continue to provide all possible support as they recover from their terrible ordeal.”