Bishop Dennis Villarojo of Malolos instructed his priests “to check their parish structures” after a portion of a church balcony collapsed during an Ash Wednesday service in San Jose del Monte City, near Manila.
In a statement issued on Feb. 14, the prelate ordered all parishes to examine their facilities to ensure safety “considering the great number of faithful coming every year to Lenten celebrations.”
One person died, and 53 individuals were injured when a section of the gallery at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Tungkong Mangga village caved in during the 7:00 a.m. Mass. Those injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The parish priest, Fr. Romulo Perez, and his parochial vicar, Fr. Divino Cayanan, along with the support of the Diocese of Malolos, are assisting those affected and their families, the prelate added.
About 400 people were attending mass when the accident occurred. The church will remain closed as investigators inspect the building’s structural safety.
Bishop Villarojo has offered prayers for the eternal repose of the departed and assured the family of assistance.
“As we pray for healing and consolation to all those affected, we invoke the consoling motherly care of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the steadfast faith of St. Peter,” he said.
