Bishops appeal for help after typhoon ravages Philippines

As regions in the Philippines and Viet-nam struggle to rebuild after Typhoon Durian raked across the area in late November and early December, Filipino priests serving in the Diocese of Dodge City are doing what they can to help from half a world away.

Fathers Rene Labrador, Bernard Felix, and Nick Ferangco are hoping the generosity of the people of the Diocese of Dodge City will help rebuild their home Diocese of Boac, 80 percent of which was damaged or destroyed in what was the worst storm ever to hit the area.

"Forty thousand people were left homeless," explained Father Felix, pastor at St. Barnard, Belpre and Sacred Heart of Jesus, Larned. Fortunately, few deaths were reported in Marinduque, the tiny island that is home to the Diocese of Boac.

Although the Diocese of Sorsogon, home diocese of Father Angel Dy, pastor of John the Baptist, Meade, St. Patrick, Plains, and St. Anthony, Fowler, was not directly hit, it suffered significant damage in the storm in the form of mudslides. And like much of the Philippines, it was left with no electricity or telephone service.

The Most Rev. Ronald M. Gilmore has appealed for financial help for the region (see his letter at right), as has the Most Rev. Reynaldo G. Evangelista of the Diocese of Boac.

"The super typhoon which hit the Bicol Region, Mindoro, and our province of Marinduque, Philippines, last November 30, caused so many casualties, displaced so many families, and damaged millions of properties," Bishop Evangelista said. "We are appealing to you to help us in reaching out to the families in need and to rebuild our communities."

In the Albay province, southeast of Manila, Durian triggered mudslides on Mount Mayon, a volcano that recently has been restive. About 1,000 people are feared trapped in rocks and sludge that buried houses and fields around Mount Mayon.

In all, more than 1.09 million people in 13 provinces in the Philippines were affected by the typhoon, according to the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council.

Tens of thousands of houses were destroyed, 425 people were listed as dead, 507 injured and 599 missing. Nearly 23,000 people have sought refuge in 129 evacuation centers.

As government officials continue to try to assess and address the damage of Typhoon Durian, Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message of encouragement to victims and rescue workers in the Philippines.

"His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI assures all affected of his closeness in prayer," said a message from the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Dec. 4.

"His Holiness likewise prays for the rescue workers and all involved in providing practical assistance to the victims of this disaster, encouraging them to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support," the message said.

The Filipino priests serving in the Diocese of Dodge City have held collections within their parishes, but anyone can donate by sending checks made out to the Diocese of Dodge City to: Typhoon Relief, P.O. Box 137, Dodge City, Kansas, 67801.

Father Nick Ferangco, pastor of St. Nicholas, Kinsley, and St. Joseph, Offerle, will be visiting the region Jan. 8, at which time he will hand deliver the funds to the Diocese of Boac’s Social Action Committee.