Filipino Church mounts nationwide effort to help victims of strong earthquake

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.

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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 and from the solidarity of one another,” Advincula said over Church-run Radio Veritas.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy, who heads the country’s largest archdiocese, encouraged Catholics to offer spiritual support to the victims, in addition to basic needs.

The earthquake struck off the coast of Maasim town in Sarangani province, over 1,600 kilometers south of the capital, Manila, on the morning of June 8. On top of the death toll, the quake injured at least 487 people and left 17 others missing.

It damaged nearly 3,000 houses and 240 buildings, including Catholic churches and schools.

Nearly 150,000 people were affected, according to government statistics.

In response to this tragedy, other Church groups joined the CBCP in launching donation drives for earthquake victims.

Tanging Yaman Foundation, led by Jesuit Father Manoling Francisco, called for cash donations for the victims’ basic needs.

The Southern Philippines Province of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) appealed to its SVD confreres around the world for help. In particular, the missionaries said they need food, clean water, temporary shelters, and other basic needs.

The Filipino SVD missionaries noted that one of their convents was partially destroyed, one church “sustained major destruction,” and many families now face uncertainty and hardship, including the lack of electricity and limited communication.

“Every act of generosity, no matter how small, will help bring hope, healing, and renewed strength to those who are suffering,” the SVD Southern Philippines Province said.

The Catholic Church, the religious group of nearly 80 percent of Filipinos, has traditionally complemented government efforts in responding to disasters. At times, due to wide Church networks and dysfunctional government services, the Church has even become the primary source of aid for affected communities.

The Catholic-majority nation lies within the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where most of the world’s strongest earthquakes occur. This country of nearly 113 million people also faces around 20 storms a year.