Manila, Philippines, Nov 10, 2009 / 01:56 am
The Columban community in Manila has begun novena Masses to Our Lady of Remedies to pray for the immediate release of kidnapped Irish priest Fr. Michael Sinnott.
Fr. Sinnott was taken at gunpoint by six men who stormed his home in Pagadian City on the island of Mindanao on Oct. 11 According to Reuters, witnesses said the priest was bundled into a van and later dragged to a boat.
A videotape of the 79-year-old missionary shows him reading a prepared statement asking for a $2 million ransom, but the congregation reports it does not have the money.
Columban regional superior Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue reported that Masses for the intention of his safe release began at Our Lady of Remedies Parish began in Malate district on Monday to prepare for the saint’s feast on Nov. 15.