Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan conducts second collection in Masses to aid Typhoon 'Kristine' survivors in the Philippines

The Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan (AVC) holds a second collection in Masses for typhoon those affected “Kristine”, according to a “Pastoral Instruction re Special Second Collection in all Sunday Masses for Assistance to Heavily Affected Persons, Families and Communities Caused by Tropical Storm ‘Kristine’,” issued by Bishop Moises M. Cuevas.

It was addressed to parish priests, chaplains, priest-administrators, Divine Word College of Calapan administrators, AVC parochial schools superintendents, and deanery directors

“As severe tropical storm 'Kristine' battered across the country, with the hit most provinces in the Bicol Region, it left thousands of people's lives lost and livelihoods damaged in its onslaught in the country.  The situation could get worse as the full impact of the weather disturbance has yet to be totally accounted for by the National Disaster Risk Management (NDRRMC) and by the respective Diocesan Commissions on Social Action,” said Cuevas.

“In the light of these dreadful situations, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Caritas Philippines immediately responded for a local and international solidarity Appeal for Assistance to the heavily affected families and communities of Bicol Region's archdioceses including but not limited to Naga, Legazpi, Daet, Virac, Libmanan, Catarman, Sorsogon and Masbate;  to our own diocese of Calapan notwithstanding if the situation warrants,” he added.

In the spirit of fraternal solidarity and ecclesial synodality, the AVC shall conduct special second collection in all anticipated and Sunday Masses on October 26 and 27 2024;  special collections in Catholic and parochial schools notwithstanding, it said.  

Cuevas “urged for immediate submission of the monies  collected to the Diocesan Curia Finance Department, Receiving Section, within the following week (Oct. 28 to 31), for immediate transmission to the Caritas Philippines. “ 

“We also sincerely exhort particularly the well-off parishes, to extend their generosity above bigger by appropriating certain amount from the parish general fund to augment the special second collections.  We further charge to conduct a personal appeal to overly generous affluent families, organizations, associations, movements within your parish jurisdictions where they can directly deposit their financial support,” said Cuevas.