CEBU, Philippines - The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has declared today, November 8, as National Day of Prayer.
This is to commemorate the super typhoon that struck Eastern and Central Visayas exactly a year ago.
“This is an occasion to remember them (victims) and in a sense be one with them in praying for strength… The whole day is to be spent in prayer,” said Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma. Apart from offering a mass, churches of affected areas are to ring their bells at 8 o’clock in the morning to remember the victims of the strongest and most destructive typhoon.
“We encourage all parishes to ring their church bells,” the prelate added.
Palma enjoined Cebuanos to offer prayers to those who died and even those who continue to suffer to this day.
The provincial government has invited Palma to lead the activity at the Capitol.
However, he will not be directly involved in today’s activities as he has already committed to officiate the Eucharistic celebration of Boljoon town, southern Cebu.
“The provincial government has communicated with me. But I cannot cancel my commitment in the south,” Palma explained.
Meanwhile, the prelate relayed the positive outcome of the church’s Adopt-A-Parish initiative.
“The Adopt-A-Parish project is doing very good. I shared it the bishop of Cologne (Germany) and he is inspired by it. The idea is healthy members should help the weak ones. I am happy with the progress,” Palma said. — Jessa J. Agua/NSA (FREEMAN)