Manila (AsiaNews/CBCP) - Rising from the rubble caused by super-typhoon Haiyan, aka Yolanda in the Philippines, will likely be an unequal struggle for many, "but not for the Filipino people" who never forget "to invoke the Lord" in moments of "hopelessness and despair," said Card Luis Antonio Tagle, archbishop of Manila, during a prayer vigil and Eucharistic adoration for the victims of the disaster that struck the Philippines on 8 November.
The prelate urged the faithful to continue their search for God in rebuilding their lives. "My dear brothers and sisters," the cardinal said, "the Lord has heard you because your sorrow and pain are in the heart of Jesus. [...] There is an answer to all your prayers because through Jesus, the Lord will hear you."
In the meantime, the toll from Typhoon Yolanda, which sowed death and destruction in the central part of the Philippines, continues to rise. According to the latest figures by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 5,613 have been died so far. An additional 1,601 people are still unaccounted for with little hope that they might be found alive.
In Tacloban alone, Haiyan killed 3,310 killed, injuring another 18,557. At least two million households (more than 10 million people, or 10 per cent of the Filipino population) in 10,716 villages and 44 provinces suffered damages of some kind.
At the same time, efforts by the international community to bring aid to the population continues two weeks after the disaster.
After staying on the sidelines, China is sending the Peace Ark, a hospital ship, to the typhoon-hit area, which it will reach in three days to help in the health emergency.
Yolanda seems to have convinced the two nations to put aside their bitter territorial dispute and diplomatic tensions over the South China Sea.
During the prayer vigil, Cardinal Tagle urged Catholics to stand firm in their faith and continue to hope for a bright future. "Even in times of mourning," he said, there is always hope. Even in tragedies and disasters, if we remain united, we can work together."
In order to boost spirit and faith, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will hand out 10-12,000 rosaries and scapulars, courtesy of the God the Father Foundation, Inc.
Last week, the 'Rosary for Life' prayer group provided the bishops with 3,000 rosaries. Another 10,000 are set to be donated at a later time.
The items were given to the faithful inside packages containing humanitarian aid, like food and other basic necessities.
Lastly, this afternoon between 3.45 and 4 pm, Pope Francis will meet with members of the Filipino community, especially those from Rome, at the Altar of the Confession in St Peter's Basilica.
On this occasion, the Holy Father will bless the mosaic of San Pedro Calungsod (martyr of the faith killed 2 April 1672), the second Filipino saint, who was canonised by Benedict XVI on 21 October 2012.
The Filipino faithful will be led by Manila Archbishop Card Tagle.