Muslims Appeal for irish Priest's Release in the Philippines

PAGADIAN CITY, Philippines (Zenit.org) - Muslim leaders in the Philippines are condemning the kidnapping of a Catholic priest, affirming that this act is contrary to the religious values of both Islam and Christianity.

Columban Father Michael Sinnott, who came from Ireland to serve in the Philippines 40 years ago, was abducted Oct. 11 from his home in Pagadian City.

The 79-year-old priest has been frail and in need of medication since an open heart surgery he underwent in July.

The Filipino government appealed to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a Muslim rebel group, for help in finding the kidnapped priest.

Although there has been violent conflict between the two forces, which resulted in hundreds of deaths only months ago, last week they agreed to work together to rescue Father Sinnott.

Today, the Inquirer Mindanao reported that the Moro Islamic forces are closing in on the location and identities of the kidnappers.

Eid Kabalu, chief of civil-military affairs, stated that the central command expects to receive this information within the next 24 hours.

The Muslim forces plan to surround the captors and cut off escape while allowing the government authorities to take the lead on the final confrontation.

Meanwhile, the National Ulema Conference of the Philippines, a body of Muslim leaders, issued an appeal for the release of the priest.

They stated that this act is "contrary to the principles of Islam, Christianity and other religions," AsiaNews reported.

The leaders also decried the media's exploitation of Islam to "divide Muslims from their Christian brothers."

On World Mission Day, celebrated Sunday, Benedict XVI made particular mention of Father Sinnott in his general audience.

The Pope recalled all "missionaries -- priests, men and women religious and lay volunteers -- who consecrate their existence to bringing the Gospel into the world, even facing hardships and difficulties and sometimes real persecutions."

First to the family of Father Sinnot I am very sorry for what is happening now to him...and I myself includes him in my prayers. I appeal to fellow catholics to PLEASE pray for Father Sinnot and his release from his captives. With all the help,support and concern he showed to the Filipinos particularly in zamboanga he does not deserve his situation now in return for all of what he did... Father Sinnot my prayers are with you, may you remain strong until help from God arrives,we may not understand why is this happening but God has His own reasons. Sometimes things are harder than what we could actually bear but everything has its end. May God Bless us all particularly Father Sinnot and his release. Cat from Antipolo Philippines

cat de guzman | 11/2/2009

Life of every human being is God given.It's a gift that's most precious and holy and it is God alone that can give it.No human being therefore must play with or rob another of this most invaluable gift of life.In our prayers, we must ask God to change the hearts of the captors of Father Michael Sinnott so that they set him free quickly.
Our Father who is in Heaven,we ask you to set Fr. Micheal free AMEN.

Helen Apolo Ocaya | 10/22/2009

Comments that include profanity, personal attacks, antisocial behavior such as "spamming" and "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will not be posted on Catholic Online. Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of service. While Catholic Online invites robust discussion, we maintain the right to not print material that is patently false in its claims concerning the teaching of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, overtly anti-Catholic or which, in the opinion of the moderator, are intended to mislead readers as to what the Catholic Church teaches. Comments DO NOT necessarily reflect the opinion or views of Catholic Online.

| International News