A priest in Co Mayo has said the family of Irish woman Gena Heraty who was kidnapped in Haiti are "very upset" and "on tenterhooks" as negotiations continue.
He described Ms Heraty as a "wonderful, generous, caring and compassionate person".
Ms Heraty, a native of Westport in Co Mayo, who is in her mid-50s, oversees the Sainte-Helene orphanage in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km southeast of the capital Port-au-Prince.
She is one of a family of 11, most of whom are living in Mayo.
They have expressed their gratitude for all the prayers and support but do not wish to speak to the media at this time, while negotiations are ongoing.
In a statement, Ms Heraty's sister Mary said the family had been assured by the Government and various voluntary organisations and charities that they are doing everything in their power to have her and the other captives released.
Father John Kenny, the administrator of Westport parish, said Ms Heraty's family are "very appreciative" of the support they have received since she was abducted from the orphanage.
"Well, we were shocked first of all to hear the news, and we kind of suspected it might be Gena because she has such a high profile in our community.
"We do a lot of fundraising for her charity in her home parish, Cushlough and here in Westport, for the orphanage in Haiti. Everyone is expressing their concern and solidarity with the members of her family, who are very upset and naturally on tenterhooks," he told RTÉ News, following Mass this morning which was said for Ms Heraty at St Mary's Church in the town.
He said he met her when she was home last autumn and visiting local schools.
"She met the young people there, the children who were fundraising for her cause. And you could see her beaming with energy and enthusiasm about the work she does, as opposed to looking for credit, just looking to help out the people in need in Haiti," he said.
Communities around Westport and Ahagower have been holding prayer vigils for the safe return of Ms Heraty and those abducted along with her from an orphanage in Haiti.
Speaking earlier on RTÉ’s Today with Colm Ó Mongáin, Fr Kenny said supporters also had an opportunity to console Ms Heraty’s family at a prayer service in Westport yesterday evening.
"They were there in great solidarity and great numbers ... cars were everywhere, and people were gathered and quietly prayed and met with the family afterwards," Fr Kenny said.
He added: "The family are very appreciative of the support and very conscious that people are praying in support of them."
Fr Kenny said Ms Heraty is "not one for the spotlight" but loves talking about her work and has always been greatly supported by the local community when raising funds for the orphanage.
"You could see her beaming with enthusiasm and energy around what she does, but like I said, never looking for the credit to herself but always drawing attention to herself.
"That’s just the nature of the person she is. A wonderful, generous, caring and compassionate person - a great human being," Fr Kenny said.
Watch: Former orphanage resident Annabelle Pierre says she prays for release of Gena Heraty
Fr Kenny said the family were somewhat comforted at the intensive efforts under way by the Government.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris held talks overnight with his Haitian counterpart about the abduction of Ms Heraty.
In a statement, the Tánaiste said he asked Haiti's Foreign Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste "that everything is done to ensure the release of Gena and the other hostages".
Mr Harris said Mr Jean-Baptiste had "assured me of his support in our work to ensure the safe release of Gena, and all the hostages, who have gone through the most horrendous of ordeals".
"We have agreed to stay in touch about the case, which remains extremely sensitive," he added.
Fr Kenny said: "They know and appreciate that they are doing their utmost at that level, official level, but nationally or locally over there, we just don't know what the situation is and how delicate it might be regarding the ins and outs of negotiations.
"But at national level here, certainly our ministers and department officials are doing their best. But it's a very stressful and difficult time for everyone"
