A Catholic bishop in the central Philippine diocese of Dumaguete urged the faithful to continue the spirit of sharing amidst the pandemic and the devastation brought by a recent typhoon.
Bishop Julito Cortez of Dumaguete asked the people to look out for one another, especially those affected by super typhoon Odette (Rai).
“May we continue with that spirit of sharing with each other what we have so that, together, we shall rise above these calamitous and traumatic experiences,” said Bishop Cortes said in his New Year’s message.
A day after the typhoon ripped through several provinces, the prelate immediately joined appeals for emergency aid to the affected communities.
The bishop told the faithful to “be not afraid” and welcome the year 2022 with “much hope.”
“Remember that we have God, and we have each other. With God, we can rise above many challenges. With each other, we can accomplish many things,” said Bishop Cortes.
He called on the faithful to “remain calm” despite the continuing challenge of the pandemic by following the necessary health protocols and by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
The prelate also asked for more prayers “for one another, for our families, and for our community.”
