Fr Michael Sinnott returns to the Philippines

DESPITE his month-long kidnap ordeal in Mindanao, Irish missionary Fr. Michael Sinnott is back and wants to resume his ministry.

The 80-year-old Columban priest returned to the country Friday night after some vacation time in his homeland.

“It’s very nice to be back and I’m looking forward to going back to my work in Pagadian (City),” Sinnott was quoted upon his arrival by the news website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Sinnott arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Friday at 10:30 p.m. having taken the Etihad Airways flight EY 428 from Abu Dhabi. He left for Ireland last Dec. 2.

He was met by Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue, the Columban regional director in the country, and fellow Columban priest Fr. Michael McGuire at the airport’s VIP lounge.

Sinnott said he was able to reunite with his relatives and friends in Ireland. He said he also met with top government officials and relatives who came all the way from London.

He also turned 80 years old last Dec. 19.

Clearance

While he hoped to get back to his ministry in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur where he has been based since 1988 helping children with disabilities, Sinnott said he had yet to get clearance from his superiors given his advanced age and his month-long kidnap ordeal last year.

Should he be allowed to return to Pagadian City, Sinnott said he would like “to do the little bit I can for as long as I can.” He has already undergone a heart bypass.

Sinnott again expressed gratitude to all the Filipinos who prayed for his safety.

“I was amazed when I came out of there, there were a lot of people who prayed for me and I would like to thank them very, very sincerely from the bottom of my heart,” he said.