Filipinos in Dublin rally for Father Sinnott

St Mark's, Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland

Below is a report based on an email from Fr Rene Esoy SSS. In my previous post I said that the prayer rally would be at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the centre of Dublin, where Father Rene is assigned. But it was held in a different place in the suburbs. I will post photos when I receive them.

Interior of St Mark's Catholic Church

Just to let you know that we had a wonderful community prayer this morning here in Dublin in order to pray for Fr Sinnot's release from his kidnappers. It went well. It was held in front of the Church of St Mark in Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin. We started around 11.30 a.m.

Representatives from different Filipino organizations in Dublin were present. The South Dublin Filipino Association (SDFA) made this event possible.

Ambassador Ariel Y. Abadilla

First resident Ambassador of the Philippines to Ireland. The countries established diplomatic relations in 1984.

Ambassador Abadilla presents his Letter of Credence to Irish President Mary McAleese, 14 July 2009

Philippine Ambassador to Dublin Hon. Ariel Y. Abadilla was present. (He is the first resident ambassador of the Philippines to Ireland and presented his letter of credence to President Mary McAleese on 14 July). With him was Consul General Hjayceelyn ‘Joy’ Quintana. Fr Pat Raleigh, Vice Director of the Columbans in Ireland (he worked for some years in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan and in Student Catholic Action, Manila) gave a message about the abduction of Father Sinnott. The Chaplain to the Filipino community in Dublin, Fr Pat O'Connell CSSR, was likewise present. He gave the opening prayer.

Staff of Philippine Embassy in Dublin. Consul General Joy Quintana, front row, left

Anima Christi Choir, Dublin

The Program was as follows:

Opening Prayer: Fr Pat O'Connell CSSR

Opening Song: Loving and Forgiving led by Anima Christi Choir

Opening Remarks: Jonathan Joaquin, SDFA President

Messages:

Ambassador Ariel Y. Abadilla

Fr Pat Raleigh, representing the Columban missionaries

Jess Corpuz, Chairman, Filipino Community Network (FCN)

Don Harper, St Mark's Parish Coordinator Board of Management

Closing Remarks: Augusto Ras, Anima Christi Choir President

Closing Prayer: Fr Rene Esoy SSS

Closing Song: Let there Be Peace on Earth

Before I said the closing prayer, I told the Filipinos present that
you are very grateful to them for organizing this prayer for Fr Sinnott.

Statement by South Dublin Filipino Association

17 October 2009


SOUTH DUBLIN FILIPINO ASSOCIATION, IRELAND : October 17, 2009 at 4:08 am

WE, THE SOUTH DUBLIN FILIPINO ASSOCIATION, CONDEMNS THIS WRONGFUL ACT OF ABDUCTING FR. MICHAEL SINNOTT. WE PRAY AND HOPE FOR HIS SAFE RELEASE. WE URGE THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ABDUCTION, PLEASE RELEASE FR. SINNOTT. RECENTLY, OUR ASSOCIATION HELD A FUND DRIVE FOR THE VICTIMS OF TYPHOON(ONDOY/PEPENG) AND THE IRISH PEOPLE UNSELFISHLY LENT US A HAND IN REACHING-OUT TO OUR FELLOW KABABAYANS. IT IS SAD TO HEAR THAT THIS KIND, GENEROUS ACT, WOULD BE RE-PAID BY SUCH A WRONGFUL ACT. AGAIN, WE URGE THOSE RESPONSIBLE: RELEASE FR. SINNOTT...............................................