Pope's visit to hasten rehab efforts in Yolanda-hit ares - prelate

MANILA, Philippines - The visit of Pope Francis to the country next year will serve as an inspiration and hope for the survivors of the supertyphoon Yolanda, a Church official said on Friday.

Father Oscar Florencio, rector of St. John The Evangelist Seminary in Palo, Leyte, said the Pope's presence will boost the morale of the people affected by the devastation in areas by Yolanda.

The prelate said that priests and laymen at the Archdiocese of Palo are already excited by the upcoming visit of the Holy Father to the Yolanda-hit provinces in January 2015.

"The preparation is not only for the Church but also the government. At sana magkaroon talaga ng collaboration for this because hindi namin magagawa ito ng amin-amin lang na mga pari and I think everybody also are happy and excited for his coming.

"Everybody is asking kailan ba 'yan? Totoo ba 'yan? Ano ba magagawa namin? Things like that nagtatanong tanong na ang lahat," Fr. Florencio told Radyo Veritas.

The prelate believes that the Pope's visit will fast track the recovery and rehabilitation efforts by the government of the devastated areas.

Earlier Bishop Broderick Pabillo called on the government to facilitate the rehabilitation efforts in the Yolanda affected areas in time for the visit of the Pope.

Meanwhile, the Church officials in Palo, Leyte are set to meet on June 9 to discuss the Pontiff's visit.

Father Florencio said that at present, there had been initial talks among the officials of the Archdiocese. They are still awaiting for the formal announcement of Palo Archbishop John Du regarding the Presbyterian meeting.

"This coming June 9 we shall have our meeting and I think this would be formally announced by no less than Archbishop [John Du] himself sa Presbyterium but meron nang mga initial talks and initial discussion sa mga Bishop, sa mga pari parang kung ano ang gagawin ganyan," the prelate added.