Filipino Catholic priests have donated P1 million to Haiti

Filipino Catholic priests have donated P1 million to the victims of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti two weeks ago. 

The donation was collected during the Mass held on Wednesday at the celebration of the 2nd National Congress of the Clergy at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, where 5,500 priests attended. 

According to Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, director of the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the collection was the participants' way of helping the Haiti quake victims. 

"That was a concrete expression of solidarity with the brethren of that country," he said. 

Quitorio also said that the talk of Papal Household preacher Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa had touched the topic of the victims of calamities. 

"At one of the talks of Fr. Cantalamesa, he exhorted the 5,000 priests to find the body of Christ in the Eucharist among the poor — which may include even victims of calamities," Quitorio said. 

Last January 24, all parishes in the country had a second collection intended for the Haiti earthquake victims, upon the request of CBCP president Nereo Odchimar. 

The Tandag prelate said that they are ready to help the victims of the tremors and will continue to pray for the family of those who died, those who were injured and for their immediate recovery. 

"We pray for those who have perished, for the injured and for the displaced at this difficult and sad time," he said. (PNA)