Share this @internewscast.com

A beloved 83-year-old American nun has been kidnapped by an unidentified group of gunmen in Africa, prompting concern from her friends and loved ones about her safety.

Earlier this week, the Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a news release stating that Sister Suellen Tennyson had been abducted Monday night from a convent in Yalgo in the West African nation of Burkina Faso.

The perpetrators are said to have scoured and vandalized the convent before blindfolding Tennyson and taking her to an unknown location, WVUE-TV reports.

Two nuns who were in the convent at the time of the attack told Sister Ann Lacour what unfolded.

“There was a lot of fear in their voices,” Lacour told NBC News. “They knew that the kidnappers had guns.”

Lacour added: “They went from the kitchen to each one of the bedrooms where the sisters are, but the only one that was kidnapped was Sister Suellen. We suspect they were looking for money and medicine.”

In 2014, Tennyson moved to Burkina Faso to serve the people there. The country is one of the world’s poorest in the world and is also wrestling with a severe humanitarian crisis and drought. Extreme heat has prompted a rise in malaria cases, especially among children.

People in the country are known to walk 50 miles to receive treatment at a clinic where Tennyson serves, Lacour told NBC News.

Before the move, Tennyson lived in New Orleans, where she was widely known and helped the city recover from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

In interviews with NBC News, people who know Tennyson, who belongs to the Marianites of Holy Cross congregation, described her as a benevolent person.

“A kinder, gentler soul does not exist,” Karen Swensen told NBC News. “She went over there because it was such an impoverished village, and she thought she could help.”

In a written statement, Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond said the incident has been devastating.

“For many years, Sister Suellen ministered to the people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans with great joy,” Aymond said, according to NBC News. “Today, we express our sadness and shock at her abduction and offer our prayers for her safe return.”

A State Department spokesperson told NBC News that officials are aware of an American citizen who has gone missing in Burkina Faso and are working on the situation.

Swensen explained that Tennyson would likely show the kidnappers compassion despite their violence toward her.

“She makes you feel like everything’s going to be OK, no matter what is happening around you,” Swenson told NBC News. “I have no doubt that she has already forgiven her captors.”

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

Featured Image: Sister Suellen Tennyson/Archdiocese of New Orleans

Source: This post first appeared on

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tragic Russian Roulette Incident: Teen Accidentally Kills Girlfriend During Reckless Gun Play

Left inset: Mary Cornelius (St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department). Right inset: Mattison…

Louvre Museum Shuts Doors Due to Unprecedented Robbery Incident

The world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris is closed for the day after…

District Attorney Reports 5-Month-Old’s Skull Fractured in Alleged Assault by Mother’s Boyfriend

Left inset: Glenn McIntosh (Franklin County Jail). Right inset: Ameira Reynolds (GoFundMe).…

Tragic Incident: Sailor Fatally Shot While Attempting to Mediate Dispute Between Spouses

Left: Nildaliz Arline Flores-Roman (Norfolk police). Right: Katrina Anderson (Joshua Mortuary). A…

Gainesville Drama: Woman Arrested for Car Burglary Amidst Street Brawl

Staff Article GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the early hours today, 21-year-old Ivette…

Tragic Death of Malnourished Boy Leads to Arrest of Mother and Police Officer Stepfather in Shocking Abuse Case

Insets from left: Destiny Dionne and Joshua Latimer (Oconee County Jail) and…

Tragic Discovery: Coroner Uncovers Disturbing Living Conditions of Woman with MS

Authorities in Pittsburgh found 44-year-old Elizabeth Fike dead living in filth in…

Queensland Man Accused of Selling $100K in Counterfeit Jewelry

A man from the Gold Coast is facing charges after allegedly profiting…

Oregon Man Found Guilty in Fatal Stabbing of Mail Carrier

Left: Chad Westover (Clackamas County Sheriff”s Office). Right: Tristan Thomas (GoFundMe). Inset:…

California Mystery Deepens: Mom’s Silence Stalls Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Girl

The search for a missing 9-year-old girl from California has been hampered…

Shocking Crime: Man Assaults and Kidnaps Ex After Receiving Homemade Meal

Left inset: Christopher Collins. Right inset: Jesserae Beck (Lincoln Police Department). Background:…

Homeless Individual Detained for Public Indecency Near Newberry Road Shop

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities apprehended 32-year-old Rashard Jerrod Turner yesterday,…