Earthquake in Cebu damages historic churches
The death toll rises as the hours pass, with 69 confirmed. The shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan lies in ruins. “May this tragedy awaken in us a deeper sense of solidarity, compassion, and faith in Your providence,” the archdiocese said in a statement.
Cebu (AsiaNews) – A magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook Cebu and neighbouring provinces (central Philippines) at 9:59 pm yesterday with the epicentre located 17 kilometres northeast of the city of Bogo, at a depth of 10 kilometres, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
The confirmed toll stands at 69 dead and hundreds displaced, but the numbers are constantly being updated. Damage also affected important places of devotion.
The archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima, a centuries-old church located in Daanbantayan, suffered partial collapse, local social media report. Despite the damage, the Blessed Sacrament and the image of Santa Rosa de Lima remained intact.
The Church urged all Daanbantayan residents not to touch the coral stones near the building. At the same time, “We humbly implore everyone in the entire Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu and the rest of the Philippines to please pray for all of us in Daanbantayan, Medellin, Bogo City, and San Remigio,” a statement from the archdiocese reads.
The Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima, a well-preserved historical landmark, suffered severe damage, especially to its façade. Sts Peter and Paul Church on Bantayan Island, one of the oldest in the Visayas, also collapsed. Several buildings in Bantayan, Medellin, Bogo City, and San Remigio in Cebu equally suffered major damage.
Newly elected Archbishop Alberto S. Uy of Cebu led the faithful in prayer for the safety and protection of all after the earthquake. The prelate also urged all parishes and rectories to have their structures inspected.
Parishes in the most severely affected area have been ordered not to use their church buildings for Mass until they are declared safe by experts.
“We offer special intentions for the churches in northern Cebu that have suffered destruction. These sacred spaces have long been places of prayer, hope, and refuge,” the Archdiocese of Cebu said in a statement.
“May they rise again as signs of Your enduring presence among us. Inspire the generosity of hearts and hands to help rebuild what was lost. May this tragedy awaken in us a deeper sense of solidarity, compassion, and faith in Your providence,” it added.
Fr Felmar Castrodes Fiel, a priest of the Society of the Divine Word in Cebu, said: “My heart goes out to everyone affected by the recent 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu Province. In times of uncertainty and fear, may we find strength in our faith, courage in our unity, and hope in God’s loving presence. Let us continue to pray for safety and healing as we help one another rise again.”
Sister Jennibeth Sabay, of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of Castres, originally from Cebu, spoke to AsiaNews. “Much destruction in many parts of Cebu, especially the northern area. We pray for all those greatly affected,” she said.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival suspended classes today in the areas affected by the earthquake – he also urged private building owners to immediately check the soundness of their properties and implement all necessary safety measures.
Several roads and bridges in Tabogon are still impassable due to cracks caused by the earthquake, Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro said.
The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area prone to the collision of tectonic plates, which causes frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Most earthquakes are weak and not felt, but strong, destructive tremors like yesterday's can occur at any time.
.png)
