The Archdiocese of Manila will hold a “special collection” for victims of tropical storm Ondoy, even as pledges of financial support from international relief agencies pour.

Manila Archbishop Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, in a letter addressed to the priests, laity and the religious, ordered that a special collection be made at all Sunday masses, including anticipated Masses in parishes, chapels and malls for the benefit of Ondoy victims.

“A destruction as large as this becomes a call to all of us to reach out to our brothers and sisters who are out there literally still wet and cold—homeless, “ Rosales said.

He observed that “the tragedy brought about by Typhoon Ondoy 48 hours ago continues with devastating consequences in the lives, homes and neighborhood of many people around Metro Manila and most of Southern and Central Luzon.
 
Ordinarily, only one collection is allowed in every Mass to prevent priests from abusing the generosity of the faithful. A second collection, normally held after the Communion, thus needs the go-signal of the bishop.

The prelate said donation in kind will also be welcomed. He advised the laity to coordinate with the Caritas office in Manila and its outlets. “In charity, no one fails,” he said.
 
He also said the Ondoy tragedy is a reminder for the public to keep the environment healthy. “There are lots of things that a tragedy like Ondoy is trying to teach and remind us of.”
 
Meanwhile, the National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace (NASSA), the social arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, announced that its partner relief agencies have pledged financial support to the victims of the flooding.

NASSA executive secretary Sister Roseanne Mallillin said in a forum that those which have vowed to provide financial support are Caritas Espanol, with 100,000 euro; Caritas New Zealand, $25,000; the Catholic Relief Services, $200,000 and the Knights of Columbus, $50,000. She said Caritas New Zealand has also pledged an undisclosed amount of financial help. – abs-cbnNEWS.com/ Newsbreak