Circular No. 20-79
Your Eminences, Your Excellencies and Very Reverend Diocesan Administrators:
Peace!
Typhoon Rolly left thousands of families bereft of hope, security and stability and a number of people dead in the Bicol Region. And days after it, Typhoon Ulysses hit many parts of Luzon, particularly Bicol and Metro Manila. In fact, as of today, many areas in the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and Diocese of Ilagan are still under flood waters. These two (2) typhoons brought great suffering to our people, caused so much damage to properties, homes and sources of livelihood and, most painful of all, the loss of lives.
Though we are not strangers to this recurring natural calamity caused by typhoons, there is no doubt that we are again touched by the pain and misery that our people are experiencing during these difficult times as they also battle against the effects of COVID-19. We cannot even try to imagine the pain that families are enduring with the loss of loved ones.
Again, we are called to act in solidarity with these devastated families and communities. We are challenged to bring even our most humble and lowly offerings of mercy and compassion to these people. And one of these is our most sincere and fervent prayer to the Lord, for Him to touch the hearts of these suffering people, to keep their hopes alive, and to keep their faith in the Lord. Also, we offer our special prayers for those who died and for their grieving families.
We are aware that our CBCP-ECSA-JP and NASSA have written to appeal to us to jointly campaign for help and to bring whatever help we can do and offer to the suffering people in these areas. The CBCP-ECSA-JP and NASSA is in contact with the bishops of these affected areas.
Please find attached to this letter a copy of the appeal for your quick referral: Solidarity Appeal for Typhoon Rolly Devastated Families and Communities.
Again, let us continue to pray for our suffering people and commend them most especially to the motherly care and comfort of our Blessed Mother.
With prayers and best wishes, I remain
