MANILA (UCAN): The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines declared Christmas Day and December 26 as national days of prayer and mourning for victims of Super Typhoon Rai [Odette] which ravaged southern and central parts of the country late in mid-December.
On December 20, the bishops’ conference called on all dioceses to dedicate both days to those affected by the storm—one of the most powerful to hit the country—which has reportedly killed at least 375 people and displaced thousands of others.
Each diocese was also encouraged to hold a second collection at all Masses during the period for the victims.
Conference president, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, appealed for Catholics to consider donating instead of spending on lavish parties, writing on Facebook: “Perhaps instead of spending on a lot of lavish Christmas parties and exchanging gifts, we can put together whatever we can and contribute to relief operations.”
He also posted a text message from Bishop Antonieto Cabajog of Surigao, one of the worst hit areas, describing the storm and appealing for aid.
“Blinding torrential rains and howling winds no man could take standing up hammered us for more than three hours. Not only were trees uprooted and rooftops ripped from homes battered like doll houses, electric power and all forms of communication were cut off, literally isolating us from the rest of the world,” Bishop Cabajog said.
Bishop David urged people to donate to the Alay Kapwa [offering of self to others] Solidarity Fund, which is used by the Catholic Church in the Philippines in times of emergencies like natural disasters.
“We encourage everyone to remit all collections to Caritas Philippines that will then plan and implement our overall response,” he said.
As of December 21, the death toll had risen to 375 with 56 still missing, according to data provided by the Philippine National Police, who also said there were 500 injuries.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Rodrigo Duterte, the country’s president, has promised to give billions in aid despite the country’s ballooning debt caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. He promised the money would be made available by the time campaigning started for the 2022 national elections scheduled for May.
“You know, we don’t have money left. I’m not saying this so that the government won’t have to do anything anymore, but to be totally honest, when the Covid pandemic first hit, there was no spending limit,” Duterte said.
