Submitted by Vox Bikol on
MANILA, Oct. 26, 2009-Father Michael Sinnott, an elderly Columban missionary kidnapped in Southern Philippines, has won praise for his courage from Pope Benedict XVI.
In a tribute on World Mission Day last Oct. 18 in the Vatican, the pope hailed the frail 79-year old priest's work even in the face of terrible danger.
Addressing a crowd of thousands, he recalled the work of Catholic missionaries around the world who serve the weakest people, sometimes at the risk of their own lives.
Aside from Fr. Sinnott's case, he also particularly reflected on the recent murder of an Italian priest killed in Brazil.
"'I wish to remember the missionaries-priests, religious men and women, and lay volunteers-who have consecrated their existence to bring the gospel to the world and in so doing face hardships and difficulties, and even persecution,' said Benedict XVI.
'I think of, among others, Fr. Ruggero Ruvoletto, recently killed in Brazil, and Fr. Michael Sinnott, kidnapped a few days ago in the Philippines," he said.
On that occasion, the pope also assured the friends and family of Fr. Sinnott for his immediate and safe release.
The frail Irish priest has been kidnapped at gunpoint at his home in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province last Oct. 11.
Fr. Sinnott has a heart condition and was not carrying his medication when he was taken.
The Philippine Catholic hierarchy is hopeful that the health condition of the priest would convince his abductors to release him.
To date, the motive behind the kidnapping is still unknown and no group has claimed responsibility for it.
The military authorities in Mindanao admitted being in a quandary over the exact location of Fr. Sinnott and his abductors.
The Pagadian City government has already offered a P200,000 reward for information on his whereabouts. (Roy Lagarde)