Pope Francis sends donation to typhoon victims

Pope Francis prays for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

POPE Francis has sent an initial donation of US$150,000 to victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) as an expression of his fatherly concern and spiritual closeness with them in the midst of suffering.

The donation was released November 11 through the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the Vatican’s charity arm.

In a press statement from the Pontifical Council coursed through the Apostolic nunciature, it says the funds will be distributed to the regions severely hit by the typhoon, and “will be dedicated to supporting actions in favor of those displaced and those affected by the flooding.”

It added that “the sum represents an initial and immediate concrete expression of the sentiments of spiritual closeness and encouragement of the Supreme Pontiff towards the persons and the areas devastated by the storm. 

The pope earlier expressed his deep sadness on the massive destruction and loss of lives brought by the typhoon and asked the faithful to pray for the victims. 

Vatican Secretary of State Archbishop Pietro Parolin also sent a telegram November 11 to President Benigno Aquino expressing the Holy Father’s assurance of prayers and deep “solidarity with all those affected by the storm and its aftermath.”  

Exact number of casualties is not yet confirmed although initial reports pegged death toll may run into the thousands because of the massive destruction that the typhoon has left in its path. 

Operation Alay-Kapwa 

Meanwhile, the NASSA-Caritas Philippines of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines appealed for Solidarity Assistance from its various Social Action Networks in the country’s 86 dioceses. 

In a press release, NASSA said it is maximizing its vast network to link and coordinate   relief efforts in different dioceses. 

“In the past 3 weeks, we have had 1 major earthquake and 3 typhoons affecting every island in the archipelago, and yet help has been pouring in since the communication lines have opened. Even the Diocese of Talibon in Bohol, still reeling from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, has been calling to ask where to send their donations for Leyte! This is the true spirit of Alay-Kapwa!” Miss Jo Ignacio, NASSA Emergency Coordinator noted

Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) made six landfalls on November 8 in Central Philippines, ploughing the towns of Guiuan, Samar; Tolosa, Leyte; Bantayan Island and Daanbantayan, both in Cebu; Concepcion, Iloilo; and Coron, Palawan.  

A total of 4.5M individuals were reportedly affected in 1,741 barangays in 343 municipalities and 39 cities in 36 provinces.  

Tacloban City suffered the worst as it was battered also by 18 foot-high storm surges, leaving 95% of the city destroyed, with thousands of people feared dead, scores missing and injured.