Philippines celebrate return of kidnapped priest

Father Michael Sinnott, an Irish missionary priest, was released through intense mediation and prayer.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

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"We are very relieved and very happy. We thank the Lord for the good news of the release of Fr. Sinnott. I believe that Fr. Michael is fine. He is conducting a medical check-up in Zamboanga City and is a bit weak from the 31 days of captivity in the jungle, but overall he is in good conditions." This is what Fides was told by Fr. Thomas Murphy, Superior General of the Society of St. Columban for Foreign Missions, the congregation of Fr. Michael Sinnott, the Irish missionary kidnapped on October 11th in Pagadian (on the island of Mindanao) and released in the early morning hours of Nov. 12 in Zamboanga City.

The Superior adds: "I am particularly happy because Fr. Sinnott is a person who is close to my heart: because he was the Rector when I was in the Seminary and has contributed to my human and spiritual formation. But everyone here today is overflowing with happiness. The Lord has heard our prayers."
On the details of issue, Fr. Murphy said: "I can confirm that he was released thanks to the mediation of the army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which handed him over to military authorities in Zamboanga."

Fr. Murphy tells Fides: "The Missionaries of St. Columban in the world this morning are celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving. In the Filipino community the joy is palpable. There is a continual thanksgiving for the successful conclusion of this affair. Fr. Sinnott is much loved and respected by the faithful of the parish, the children he cares for, and by the entire local community. "

In recent weeks, the Missionaries of St. Columba have organized prayer vigils and peaceful demonstrations to demand his release, involving Christians and Muslims in the South Philippines: "We believe that this movement of public opinion and testimony played a significant role in the release Fr. Sinnott. We thank all those who were close with their prayer and concrete gestures of solidarity and all those who contributed to the issue and saving Fr. Sinnott," the Superior General concluded. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/11/2009)