Filipino Church mounts nationwide effort to help victims of strong earthquake

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Church groups have launched emergency donation drives and backed government relief operations in the aftermath of a powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake that killed at least 45 people in the southern Philippines.

On Sunday, thousands of parishes will hold a special collection for earthquake victims, as requested by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The proceeds will be given to diocesan social action centers and Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the bishops’ conference.

A special prayer of the faithful for earthquake victims will also be recited in Sunday Masses.

“In moments such as these, we are reminded that the Church is called to be a sign of hope and a witness of charity. As one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters,” said Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the CBCP, in a statement of solidarity.

“Their pain is our pain; their loss is our loss,” Garcera added.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula made a separate appeal for help, encouraging “all people of goodwill” to “extend whatever assistance they can to those in need.” “In these difficult moments, may we draw strength from our faith