Church leaders in the Philippines have called for prayers and support for all those affected by a powerful earthquake yesterday, leaving many communities in fear and uncertainty. Source: National Catholic Register.
The offshore earthquake severely affected General Santos City on Mindanao, the Philippines’ main southern island. The tremor caused casualties and structural damage and triggered tsunami warnings.
At least 32 people have been killed, 12 are missing and 200 others have been injured due to building damage and a 1-metre tsunami hitting nearby coasts.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos suspended school classes in affected areas of Mindanao and urged people in coastal areas to evacuate immediately. He also assured citizens that the government will provide necessary aid to people in need.
Expressing his solidarity with victims and all those impacted, Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila said: “With deep sorrow, I join our brothers and sisters in General Santos City and the surrounding communities who have been affected by the recent earthquake.
“In these difficult moments, may we draw strength from our faith and from the solidarity of one another,” he said. “I also encourage all people of goodwill to extend whatever assistance they can to those in need.”
In addition, Bishop Leo Dalmao of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan issued a pastoral letter calling for a second collection during Masses on next Sunday, June 14. The collection will be sent to Caritas Philippines for relief assistance.
“The prelature joins the nation in prayer for the victims, the injured citizens, displaced families, and those people on the front line,” the prelate said.
At least three parishes in the Diocese of Marbel, which comprises the civil provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani, and parts of Sultan Kudarat, reported damage following the earthquake.
An outdoor statue of Jesus at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, was also damaged. The pilgrimage site was temporarily closed due to the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, shrine authorities said.
At Holy Cross Parish in Calumpang, General Santos City, parts of the church ceiling fell during the tremor, Brother Jerson Nunez, a member of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, said.
Civil authorities are still assessing the impact of the earthquake that was felt in several provinces in Mindanao.
FULLS TORY
Catholic leaders call for prayers, support for Philippine earthquake victims (By Santosh Digal, EWTN News via National Catholic Register)
