MANILA, March 15, 2015—What’s a more fitting way to live out the Year of the Poor than to reach out to the poor?
A Catholic priest ministering to the depressed community of Parola in Tondo, Manila, appeals to the faithful for help after a fire razed to the ground countless homes in the area on March 2.
A fire damaged beyond recognition the San Ezekiel Chapel in Parola, Tondo, Manila. (Photo: Jeremiah A. Adviento)
Prayers
Fr. Jeremiah A. Adviento, chief pastor of the Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Camba, the parish which has spiritual jurisdiction over the densely populated depressed area, lamented the accident affected no less than 5,000 families, leaving most of them homeless.
“[As] we ask for your generous support, please know that we want your heartfelt prayers to never cease, especially our parishioners and neighbors very difficult times,” he shared.
“Your prayers and support will give these thousands of families the opportunity to help them rebuild their houses and lives as well,” he added.
Catholic charity
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church)’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry (DPRM), Caritas Manila, and other Catholic charity organizations had earlier come to the rescue of the fire survivors, extending relief assistance, conducting feeding programs, and handing out food packs, hygiene kits, and other basic necessities.
Adviento, however, stressed there is still much that needs to be done, noting it will take long before residents fully recover.
Chapel destroyed
Also among the casualties is the San Ezekiel Chapel, which the fire damaged beyond recognition.
For donations in kind or in cash, interested parties may coordinate with the Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Camba Parish office at (02)-241-47-12. (Raymond A. Sebastián/CBCP News)
