The Philippine bishops’ conference on Tuesday urged dioceses to hold special prayers and raise emergency funds for communities devastated by a powerful earthquake in the country’s south.
READ: Church leaders rally aid, prayers for Mindanao earthquake victims
Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, the conference’s president, called on dioceses and religious communities to include special intentions during Masses on Sunday for victims of the quake and for responders.
He also encouraged bishops to authorize a second collection during the June 14 Masses to support relief and rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.
“The proceeds of this collection may be transmitted through the diocesan social action centers and Caritas Philippines to support the emergency relief and rehabilitation efforts for our affected brothers and sisters,” he said in a statement.
The CBCP chief expressed “profound sorrow and solidarity” with families affected by the magnitude 7.8 temblor that struck Sarangani province and other parts of Mindanao on June 8.
Government disaster officials said the death toll has risen to 39, with more than 400 people injured and four still missing as search and rescue operations continued.
According to the government’s disaster risk and management council, 33 deaths and 456 injuries were recorded in the Soccsksargen region, while the Davao region reported four deaths and 23 injuries.
“We grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured, and stand in spiritual communion with all those who have been displaced from their homes and livelihoods,” Garcera said.
He said the Church is called to be “a sign of hope and a witness of charity,” urging Catholics to respond generously as recovery efforts continue across devastated communities.
“As one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Their pain is our pain; their loss is our loss,” he said.
