Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pagadian (Agenzia Fides) – The Missionaries of Saint Columban, the community of Fr. Michael Sinnot (kidnapped October 11 in Pagadian, South Philippines), yesterday held a Day of Fasting and Prayer to ask God to protect the missionary. Throughout the world, in the houses, convents, parishes, schools, and institutes where the Missionaries of Saint Columban carry out apostolate, special prayer vigils were organized, largely attended by other religious and laity.
The Missionaries of Saint Columban tell Agenzia Fides: “We are very concerned for the life of Fr. Sinnott, who is almost 80 years old, and has had four cardiac bypass surgeries, and is in need of medicine. We have held this Day of Fasting and Prayer to ask God to grant us the grace of his being freed and that He protects him. Across the world, Bishops, priests, and lay faithful have joined us for this day of penance and prayer. We hope that the Lord, in his goodness and mercy will hear our prayer.”
“All the children and disabled that Fr. Sinnott cared for in Mindanao are deeply hurt and saddened and are praying for his release,” the missionaries said. The children from the “Hangop Kabataan Foundation” school, begun by Fr. Sinnott, also make their own appeal: “From the bottom of our hearts we plea with those who have kidnapped Fr. Sinnott: please, have mercy on him, have mercy on us, children who are deaf and dumb, with physical and mental disabilities and who were entrusted to his care and protection. We hope that he will soon return home. Please free Fr. Sinnott, because we love him so much! We pray: have mercy on us, we need him.”
In the meantime, according to the most recent updates, the guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are helping the Filipino soldiers to find Fr. Sinnott. According to Filipino government sources, such as Defense Minister Gilbert Teodoro, Fr. Sinnott is in the hands of former MILF militants, who have created problems in Mindanao in the past. However, according to local Church sources, this affirmation has not been verified and could be used for political purposes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/10/2009)
