Saturday was a little less frenetic. And he managed to go to get his eyes checked out. His eye-glasses were lost in an attempt we had made to get them to him. It was his first trip out of the house since he had returned. He soon realised that he is now ‘recognised’ by many people. Those in the doctor’s office immediately recognised him and told him how they had been praying for him. When he came out from the doctor a group of people, who had heard that he was there, came to greet him and tell him that they, too, had been praying for him. There were some more interviews and then we went for the Thanksgiving Mass in Malate Church (where the Columbans have been working since 1929 – our first mission in the Philippines) at 6pm. This was the ‘Vesperas’ (eve) of the Fiesta which is today. It was the last night of the novena to Our Lady of Good Remedy, to whom we had been praying for his release. This needs to be written up separately and I may try to do it. The church was packed to capacity. The Irish Ambassador, Richard O’Brien, the Honorary Consul General Noreen Trota, and other guests were in the congregation. I was the principal celebrant (something that had been long scheduled). I must say that it was a beautiful celebration with the choir at its best. Father Mick spoke after the Post-Communion Prayer. You could hear a pin drop as people listened intently to him. He spoke simply but powerfully about his experience and about the love of God, urging us twice to allow God to love us. (I think his words were recorded, and if so, I will get a copy for you.) He got a standing ovation when he finished – and you could feel the genuine joy and delight of people. It really was wonderful. Afterwards we all enjoyed a lovely meal in Malate. It was Columban Family – Sisters, Lay Missionaries, students and priests – and a few guests. As someone remarked afterwards, it was one of the most joyful celebrations we have ever had. We got back to Singalong at about 9.40pm but Father Mick’s Day was not yet over. The secretary to the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese , had phoned twice while we were at Malate. She phoned again just before 10pm and Father Mick spoke with the President for about 10 minutes. She told him that she hopes to see him at Áras an Uachtaráin, (the Malacañang of Ireland), very soon!!! (The Irish president is a ceremonial head of state elected directly by the people. During her schooldays President McAleese used to sell Far East, the magazine of the Columbans in Ireland and Britain).

For now, we continue to give thanks to God that, despite living in really basic conditions, Father Mick suffered no ill health, no infections, no aches or pains. That in itself is a miracle. Let us thank our Blessed Mother also for his safe return, but let us continue to ask her to secure the release of all those who are still in their captivity, wherever they may be.

President McAleese with Sharon Commins, kidnapped in Sudan on 3 July and released on 18 October.