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The SMA Fathers in Dedham have much to be thankful for this year. One of our Italian confreres, Father Pierluigi Maccalli, 59, who was kidnapped in Niger, at the border with Burkina Faso on the night of Sept. 17, 2018, by jihadist militants believed to be linked to Al-Qaeda, was safely released on Oct. 9, 2020. At the time of his abduction, Father Maccalli was working in the remote parish of Bomoanga in the Diocese of Niamey. The news of his abduction reached international status, including words of comfort and support by Pope Francis. For a year and a half there was no sign or indication of Father Maccalli s whereabouts. His release note his confreres was one of the most vivid signs that the Lord sent in this time of suffering and in this Missionary Month. SMA Superior General stated that Father Maccalli s release is a most precious gift for World Mission Day which we will celebrate next Sunday, October 18.