In the wake of the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar and parts of Thailand, Catholic leaders in Asia expressed grief and solidarity, pledging material and spiritual support to affected communities.
Archbishop Chung Soon-taick of Seoul conveyed his deepest condolences in a statement days after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated towns in Myanmar.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the people of Myanmar, who must be feeling immense fear and sorrow after losing loved ones and their homes overnight,” Archbishop Chung said. “I pray that the Lord may heal those who are wounded and shine the light of hope once more upon the ruins of their lives.”
Pledging both material aid and spiritual support, Archbishop Chung affirmed the Church’s commitment to standing in solidarity with the people of Myanmar as they endure the pain and loss caused by the disaster.
He expressed hope that the Church’s contribution, though modest, would offer comfort and help survivors find the strength to recover.
The Archbishop assured ongoing prayers for those affected as well as the first responders and international humanitarian teams.
“Together with all members of our Church, we will pray for the people of Myanmar. We also pray for the safety of the many international volunteers and rescue workers who are tirelessly conducting search and rescue operations amid continued aftershocks and a lack of equipment,” he said.
As part of its emergency response, the Archdiocese of Seoul announced a special second collection to be held on Easter Sunday, April 20, in all parishes.
In an official circular dated March 31, the Catholic Church in South Korea urged the faithful to “pray for our suffering brothers and sisters in Myanmar due to the earthquake and conduct a second collection on April 20 (Easter Sunday).”
Meanwhile, the Archdiocesan One Body One Spirit Movement committed an emergency relief fund of USD 100,000 (approximately KRW 147 million) to Caritas Internationalis.
Additional donations will be accepted until April 30 through the archdiocese’s dedicated fundraising campaign, the “Emergency Relief Fund for Earthquake Victims in Myanmar.”
The archdiocesan foundation Nanum of the Fool will contribute KRW 100 million in emergency relief to affected communities via Caritas Korea, with further aid planned through continued fundraising efforts.
In the Philippines, Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo also offered prayers and messages of comfort, emphasizing the need for compassion and solidarity.
“With hearts heavy yet steadfast in faith, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to all affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand,” Bishop Santos said. “Our hearts go out especially to our fellow Filipinos who may be facing fear, loss, and uncertainty far from their homeland.”
He called for unified action, saying, “Let us unite not only in prayer but also in action—offering aid, comfort, and support to those in need, reflecting the light of Christ’s love in the darkness of disaster.”
Bishop Santos led the faithful in a prayer for the victims, asking God to “bring healing to their pain” and “fill their hearts amidst the chaos” with peace. He added, “May Your love bind us together as one family in faith, reaching out in care and support.”
“As we come together in prayer and solidarity,” Bishop Santos concluded, “may our collective love and compassion bring hope and healing to all affected by this tragedy.”
