St Mary’s school in Papiri was constructed by an SMA missionary with financial support from many donors especially St Mary’s secondary school, Newry. This school continues to support the running and other costs for the school. Other donors included the SMA Irish province and Apostolic Work Societies in Ireland, particularly in the archdiocese of Armagh.
(Agenzia Fides) Prayer chain for those abducted from Catholic schools in Papiri: the Superior General of the SMA Fathers in a sign of missionary unity with the OLA Sisters
“We stand with them, we grieve with them, we pray with them,” is the call to prayer from the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostle for the 265 hostages of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, who have been held captive since November 21.
“Specifically, these are 239 primary school children, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members, whose absence represents a deep wound in the life of the school and the community as a whole,” explained the Superior General of the Society of African Missions, Father François du Penhoat, in a statement sent to Fides.
The Superior General of the Society of African Missions has expressed his concern and solidarity in the face of the attack on the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri (see Fides, 24/11/2025), which involves students, teachers, and staff entrusted to the care of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostle (OLA), with whom they share the same spiritual family and mission.
“We understand the anguish felt by the families, the OLA community, the Diocese of Kontagora, and the entire population of Papiri,” emphasized Father du Penhoat. “We take some comfort in the announcement from the diocese confirming the escape and return of fifty students. We unite our hearts in imploring the swift and safe release of all those still held captive, invoking God’s protection over their families, and praying for peace and justice in a region wounded by recurrent violence.”
“The invitation to prayer launched by the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostle,” the missionary says, “reminds us once again of the spiritual bond that unites us as a missionary family. As we did during the kidnapping of our confrere, Father Pierluigi Maccalli, in 2018 (see Fides, 18/9/2018), I invite everyone to join the great chain of prayer that has already begun. I ask all my confreres in every community to actively participate in this prayer of solidarity. Let us, together with the Missionary Sisters, the Diocese of Kontagora, and the entire Church, raise our voices and entrust these innocent lives to the mercy of God until the pain of the Papiri families is transformed into songs of thanksgiving.”
Father du Penhoat concludes with an appeal to everyone: “may every Eucharist celebrated, every Rosary prayed, and every moment of intercession be offered for the return of the 265 abducted pupils and staff; strength and comfort to their families and communities; the protection of our people in Nigeria; and the restoration of peace, dignity, and security in the land.” (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 2/12/2025)
Additional information from the SMA International website https://smainternational.site/2025/12/appel-du-superieur-general-a-la-priere-pour-les-captifs-de-papiri/
I invite everyone to participate in the great chain of prayer that has already begun.
We unite our hearts in imploring the swift and safe release of all those still held captive, invoking God’s protection over their families, and praying for peace and justice in a region wounded by recurrent violence.
Let us raise our voices with the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles, the Diocese of Kontagora, and the entire Church, entrusting these innocent lives to God’s mercy until the cries of the families in Papiri are transformed into songs of thanksgiving.
May every Eucharist celebrated, every Rosary prayed, and every moment of intercession be offered for:
- the safe return of the 265 abducted pupils, students, and staff;
- strength and comfort for their families and communities;
- the protection of our people in Nigeria;
- the restoration of peace, dignity, and security in the land.
As one family united in mission, we stand with them in faith, compassion, and steadfast solidarity.
May the Lord, who is close to the broken-hearted, keep and protect His little ones and the staff members, strengthen all those who work for peace, and bring consolation to everyone.
Through the intercession of the Venerable Bishop Melchior de Brésillac, may He strengthen our hope, deepen our trust, and hasten the liberation of all captives.
Rev. Fr. François du Penhoat, Superior General
St Mary’s Papiri is so named because of its long-standing links with St Mary’s Secondary School in Newry. The pupils, staff and families of the Newry school have being linked to the school from the start. They, along with many others in Ireland, Nigeria and elsewhere are praying for the release of the children and staff.
Please join us in this prayer chain. Thank you.