Colombian Girl Freed From Kidnappers to Attend Papal Mass

BOGOTA, Colombia, NOV. 16, 2011 (Zenit.org).- A 10-year-old Colombian girl freed from kidnappers last month will attend Mass with Benedict XVI on Dec. 12.

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Nohra Valentina was held for 19 days and released Oct. 18.

On Dec. 12, feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Pope will celebrate a special Mass for Latin America.

Through the Colombian ambassador to the Holy See, Benedict XVI sent Nohra a medal of Blessed John Paul II, a crucifix, and the invitation to attend the Dec. 12 Mass.

The Holy Father had prayed for the girl’s release, and for «all the persons who are kidnapped in Colombia by terrorist groups and heartless criminals.» He also prayed «for the conversion of those who commit these crimes.»

After her release, the ambassador reported that the Pope «thanks God for her release and asks Colombians to continue in constant prayer, asking for the release of all kidnapped persons and the conversion of those who commit these crimes.»

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ZENIT Staff

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