Bishop Sofronio Bancud of the Diocese of Cabanatuan on Monday encouraged the faithful to take part in helping people heavily affected by Typhoon Rolly to recover from the devastation it caused over the weekend.

He said prayers and praises to God for having been spared from the onslaught of the typhoon will only be complete once the faithful become an answer to the cry of people heavily affected by the weather disturbance.

“Habang ating inaalala ang mga mahal na yumao sa araw na ito, hindi rin natin maiaalis sa ating isip at gunita ang mga kapatid nating nasalanta ng bagyong Rolly sa Bicol at Timog Katagalugan (As we remember today our loved ones who passed away, we also cannot erase in our minds and memories our brothers and sisters devastated by Typhoon Rolly in Bicol and Southern Tagalog,” Bancud said in a pastoral letter issued as part of the Catholic Church’s observance of All Souls’ Day.

He called on the people to share material and spiritual support. Parishes and the Alay Kapwa-Social Action Office, he said, is open to facilitate the receiving and giving of donations.

“Ang mga malilikom na donasyon at relief goods ay agad na ipadadala ng tanggapan ng Alay Kapwa sa mga nangangailangang dioceses sa mga rehiyon ng Bicol at Timog Katagalugan (Proceeds from donations and relief goods will be immediately sent by the office of the Alay Kapwa to the needy dioceses in the Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions),” the bishop said.

Likewise, he called on the people to continue praying for the country and for the people to be strong and united. (PNA)