Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called for solidarity with the people affected by Typhoon Odette.
In an interview with Radio Veritas, Advincula urged the Filipinos to unite in responding to the needs of the people in Visayas and Mindanao and show the true spirit of Christmas.
“We are with you as you rise, as you face a new morning; I urge all to sympathize and care for our brothers and sisters who have been devastated by the storm, let us help them recover and begin again,” he said.
At the same time, the Cardinal reminded the victims that the birth of Jesus was a sign of God’s solidarity with every suffering and experience of mankind.
“Jesus came to our world as Emmanuel. God appeared to the world in the form of a baby – weak and small. It is a reminder to us that God is with us, God is on our side especially in times when we seem to have no strength, we have no hope, we have no opponent. Our God is Emmanuel,” he said.
The head of the Archdiocese of Manila also prayed for the strength of every victim of the storm as well as the immediate recovery with the help of the Lord Jesus who was born to give new hope to every citizen.
“Christmas gifts are the promise of a new beginning, a new morning, a new hope. This is what every Christmas brings. The dawn from on high shall break upon us to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace,” he said.
Advincula earlier ordered a second collection in the entire archdiocese for the victims of Typhoon Odette. (PNA)