Venezuela Trappist Monks Robbed

[Luigi]

Los Andes December 30, 2016 11:16 am

An armed robbery at the monastery of Los Andes

The Brothers of the Trappist community of Our Lady of Los Andes (Venezuela) have confirmed the information published in the media concerning an armed robbery in which the brothers were sequestered for five hours in their monastery:

“The criminal activity began around 3 pm and continued until 8 pm. A group of armed persons arrived at the monastery and began taking members of the community, guests, visitors, and the administrative staff, a total of about 30 persons. They sequestered us, bound us hand and foot, most face down, in a fairly small place. Only one employee was beaten, but there were only minor injuries.

We are grateful for all the messages of solidarity we have received from individuals, religious communities or official bodies.

We continue our contemplative life of prayer and work according to the rule of our Father Saint Benedict, with the conviction that this is the best contribution we can make to the harmony and peace of our country. These unfortunate events are not going to make us deviate from the call we have received from God.

We carry in our prayers those who perpetrated this crime by wishing them a change of life so that they can pursue happiness where it really is: in God.

We entrust ourselves to your prayers.”

Fr. Placido Alvarez, superior of the monastery.