CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma instructed all parishes to welcome to their churches the evacuees seeking shelter from typhoon Ruby.
Also yesterday, as the Archdiocese of Cebu prepared an “Oratio Imperata” or special prayer seeking protection from the typhoon.
In a press conference yesterday, Palma told reporters that since Cebu is on the typhoon’s path, he instructed the priests to use their churches, pastoral centers and even chapels to house all evacuees in their parishes, regardless of their religion.
“We welcome everybody, even of other faiths,” Palma said.
The archbishop also requested the archdiocese’s relief arm to bring available stocks of relief goods to Bogo City so these can be immediately distributed when necessary.
Of the Archdiocese’s 164 parishes and quasi-parishes, 19 belong to the far north of Cebu.
The Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Vincent Ferrer in Bogo City will serve as the center of deployment for relief aid in the north.
Palma appointed Fr. Charles Jayme in-charge of the church’s relief efforts for typhoon Ruby. Jayme also headed the relief efforts of the church when typhoon Yolanda ravaged the north last year.
Aside from ordering the Archdiocese’s clergy to get ready, Palma also asked parishes to pray the “Oratio Imperata” as Ruby enters the Visayas.
The special prayer was first recited during mass yesterday and will continue to be recited until the typhoon exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
“Almighty and Merciful God, Creator of All. Have Mercy on your Filipino people who turn to you for help. As we face the ferocity of typhoon Ruby, save us from this calamity. Bind its anger and cast it into the depths of the sea. Keep watch over our properties. Make us humble and worthy to work together for the common good. Do not allow us to be defeated rather, endow us with your faith, hope and love. In the midst of these trials, make us see the light at the end of the tunnel. We ask these in the Name of Jesus, our Lord,” the prayer says.
Palma also urged the faithful to not only monitor the typhoon’s movement, but also to pray for everyone’s safety.
“If we are united, if we have faith, we can overcome everything,” he added.