'Urduja' fails to prevent Catholics from attending 'Simbang Gabi'

MANILA -- Typhoon Urduja did not stop Catholic faithful in the Visayas Region and Southern Luzon from attending the first day of the nine-day Simbang Gabi on Saturday.

Priests in the different Dioceses in the two regions, which were affected by the storm, relayed this good news.

Rev. Fr. Jenious Mansalay, Social Action Director, Diocese of Masbate, said that despite the continues rains, Filipino Catholics were able to attend the first day of the dawn mass.

“Despite heavy rains, it did not stopped the people from going to mass,” he said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.

Bishop Antonio Maralit of the Diocese of Boac also reported that the effect of the typhoon in their area was only minimal in Marinduque.

“Medyo lang ang epekto. Mahangin lang at may panaka-nakang pag-ulan,” he said.

On the other hand, Rev. Fr. Alcris Badana of the Archdiocese of Palo, Leyte reported that they expected that there would be small number of people who would attend the first day of the Simbang Gabi due to the rains and floods.

“May mga areas na may konti-konting pagbaha lalo na sa mga barangay dulot ng ulan.Madami din nagsimba pero di kagaya last year dahil din sa ulan at baha sa kalsada” said the Risk Reduction Unit head of the archdiocese.

At the same time, Fr. Mark Granflor of Archdiocese of Capiz is hoping that the number of the faithful will increase when fair weather comes.

“Monitoring pa din kami, puno ang mga simbahan pero kung walang ulan umaapaw yan” said the Social Action director of the Archdiocese of Capiz.

It was reported that Southern Luzon and Visayas Region will be affected by the Tropical Storm Urduja.

Typhoon Urduja is the 21st typhoon that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA)