THE superior of kidnapped Irish priest Fr Michael Sinnott has said he was happy that video footage showed the 79-year-old alive but concerned as to how long his health can hold out.Fr Patrick O’ Donoghue, major superior of Columbans in the Philippines made the statement a day after a local television station aired video footage of Michael Sinnott saying he is being held by a Commander Abu Jayad, and asking for $2 million ransom.
Fr O’Donoghue said he was satisfied knowing that Fr Sinnott was alive "and that he has some of his medications".
However, he pointed out the video was eight days old and said the past week had been very wet in the area of Mindanao meaning living conditions could only have had an adverse affect on the elderly priest’s health.
"I hope that he continues to be well," Fr O’Donoghue said adding that the Columbans would not be paying a ransom.
In the statement to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Fr O’Donoghue said: "Fr Mick was unjustly and harshly taken from his home three weeks ago."
He called on "all people of goodwill who may have ways of influencing those who are still holding Fr Mick, to continue their efforts to enable the abductors to see that the best and simplest way forward is for them to now release Fr Sinnott".
"On this All Saints’ Day, let us unite our prayers with them that the hearts of the abductors will be open to compassion and fairness," he said.
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