VATICAN - Holy Father to visit FAO Headquarters and Synagogue in Rome

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy See Press Office has issued a statement saying that on the morning of Monday, November 16, the Holy Father Benedict XVI will travel to the FAO Headquarters (Rome), for the opening of the World Summit on Food Security, which will take place in the 36th General Conference of the FAO (Rome, November 18-23, 2009). In addition, on the afternoon of Sunday, January 17, 2010, the Holy Father Benedict XVI will travel to the Synagogue of Rome, to meet with the Jewish Community, for the 21st Day for Reflection and Progress of Dialogue Between Catholics and Jews, and the feast of “Lead Mo'ed,” which coincides on that day. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 13/10/2009)

ASIA/PHILIPPINES - “Fr. Sinnott is in urgent need of medicine. We ask for prayers for his safety,” Bishop of Pagadian tells Agenzia Fides

Pagadian (Agenzia Fides) - “Fr. Sinnott is a man of peace. We ask that his abductors may release him soon and treat him with compassion, given his precarious health conditions,” Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar of Pagadian told Agenzia Fides in a recent conversation, shortly after the kidnapping of Fr. Michael Sinnott, Missionary of Saint Columban, taken hostage by armed men in Pagadian on the evening of October 11 (see Fides 12/10/2009).
The Bishop continued: “Our priority today, is to try to get his medicine to him. We are trying to do all we can to establish contact with his abductors. We ask all the faithful to pray for his safety, in the meantime. The entire Diocese – parishes, schools, and Catholic associations – are praying for the missionary. We trust in the Lord's protection and to the power of prayer.”
Bishop Cabajar also praises the efforts made by the civil authorities and the military: “We are very grateful to the government and the military, who have placed all the necessary means to trying to rescue Fr. Sinnott. We trust in their professionality and the work of those working on solving this case. We look forward to good news soon, so that the religious may return soon to his pastoral ministry, which he has always carried out with love, zeal, and dedication, especially for disabled children.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/10/2009)