Palma: Pray, help others

CEBU, Philippines - Apart from prayers, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma stressed the importance of extending help to those who will be affected by typhoon Ruby.    

Palma said that he has informed all parish priests in the Archdiocese of Cebu to accommodate evacuees who will take shelter in churches and parishes.

In a press conference yesterday, Palma said that Bogo City will be the center of the archdiocese’s relief operation since it is the center of northern towns, where typhoon Ruby is expected to hit.    

“People can take shelter in pastoral centers, churches or even in kapilya. We should all cooperate and collaborate,” said Palma.

“When there are more people in the church, the more the church is a church,” Palma said.

Palma explained that everybody has to be accommodated in the church regardless of religion, stressing that prayer vigils between now until Ruby is out of the country is encouraged.

“We need prayer, this is beyond human effort. We cannot redirect the typhoon,” he said.

Further, Palma said that there is less harm if the people are more prepared.

“Kindly monitor ang dagan sa bagyo to know the direction. Follow the direction regarding evacuation and what to do ug mag-ampo kita kay wa pa kita naka-recover sa Yolanda. Let us pray,” Palma said when asked for his message for the Cebuanos.

Despite the challenges, Palma said everyone should not lose hope.

“Panaghiusa, pagsalig, pagtinabangay, all these challenges atoa kining ma-overcome,” Palma said. — ATO (FREEMAN)