PRAYERS were said at Masses in Ireland and the Philippines yesterday for the safe return of kidnapped Fr Michael Sinnott -- exactly four weeks after his abduction.While the authorities in the Philippines continue to press for Fr Sinnott's release, a prayer rally was held yesterday by members of the Filipino community in Dublin, while the Wexford-born priest was also prayed for at Masses throughout the diocese of Ferns.
Priests from the Columban order, of which Fr Sinnott is a member, joined in the prayer service in Dublin where calls were made for his safe return.
Fears have been growing for the safety of the 79-year-old cleric, who has worked as a missionary in the Philippines for more than 30 years.
Fr Sinnott was taken from the Columban compound in the southern city of Pagadian on October 11 and it is believed he is being held by separatist Muslim rebels -- possibly a dissident offshoot of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The government in the Philippines held meetings late last week with army and police chiefs to discuss a plan to release Fr Sinnott from captivity.
Filipino authorities believe that Fr Sinnott is being held in a coastal area in the south and have deployed military and naval resources to a number of villages in a bid to seal off any potential escape routes for the kidnappers.
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