Prayers said for kidnapped priest

Father Sinnott was taken hostage three weeks ago

Prayers are being offered in Ireland and the Philippines for the release of the kidnapped Irish priest, Fr Michael Sinnott.

A video released by his abductors on Saturday showed the 79-year-old Columban Missionary in apparent good health.

In the video, he appealed for help to secure his release as soon as possible.

His abductors are demanding $2m, but the Columban Missionary Society said no ransom would be paid.

Gunmen seized the Columban missionary from his mission office in Pagadian on Mindanao island on 11 October.

Philippine authorities believe Fr Sinnott is being held by rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).