The Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests is a worldwide movement of priests, mostly diocesan, who have adapted the spirituality of Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916, in photo above) to their way of life. It came to the Philippinies 30 years ago, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, now Archbishop of Manila, being one of those who introduced it. I have highlighted parts of the message. Among the Columbans involved with Jesus Caritas in Mindanao were Fr Rufus Halley (photo below), murdered in Lanao del Sur on 28 August 2001 and the late Fr Desmond Hartford who served from 1991 to 2001 as Apostolic Administrator of Marawi and who was kidnapped for twelve days in 1997 before being released unharmed.He died in Ireland in 2004.
FR. PATRICK O’DONOGHUE
MISSION SOCIETY OF ST. COLUMBAN
1857 Singalong St.
Manila
Dear Fr. Pat,
Peace be with you and your fellow Columbans.
This week, October 19 to 23, 2009 we the members of Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests are meeting for our annual national gathering. Together with Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales and Archbishops Angel Lagdameo and Jose Palma we are twenty eight priests from Fraternities throughout the country. We are very conscious of the prayers being offered, and the efforts being made, for the release of Fr. Michael Sinnott. We too have been praying for his release and are very concerned for his health and safety.
As members Jesus Caritas Fraternity we know the long association of many Columban missionaries with us since we begun 30 years ago in the Philippines – particularly the Columbans who ministered in Ozamiz, Iligan, Marawi and Pagadian. So we feel one with you, and the clergy and the people of Pagadian and many other places, who are watching and praying for Fr. Sinnott. We pray that God will give him strength to carry this cross and that his ordeal will soon come to an end. God grant that soon he can be re-united with so many people who know him and love him.
The theme of our gathering this year as Fraternity is: “In the likeness of Christ, called to be a priest forever.” The example of Fr. Mick Sinnott in his faithful service for so many years, and his committed ministry until his 80th year is an inspiration to us all.
May God in his grace strengthen Fr. Sinnott as he carries this cross, and support you in your efforts to secure his release.
Sincerely in Jesus Caritas,
Attachment: Signatures of Participants
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