BALANGA CITY, Bataan—Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Diocese of Balanga has asked all to resort to prayers amid the possible adverse effects of Typhoon "Ompong" (international name "Mangkhut") to the country, especially in northern Luzon.
“Prayer is our strength, our assurance. Let us pray as one country begging God to keep us safe, to protect us from calamities and to deliver us from sufferings,” the Bataan prelate said.
He reminded the public to be prepared with the necessary things and equipment and asked everyone to follow the directives of government officials and heed their call to be safe.
“Provide with what we really need and be brothers’ keepers to one another,” he said.
The bishop’s prayer: “Heavenly Father and Loving God, You are the King of all creation. We adore You o Ruler of all nature! We humbly come to You and ask for Your mercy. Deliver us from the dangers of the approaching super typhoon.
We know You can calm a storm at Your word just like with what You did on the Sea of Galilee. We beg that You spare our nation from damage and tragedies. Come to the aid of those who are in the typhoon’s path so they may stay unharmed.
May You pour Your most precious Spirit over our country so that we may be led to safety. Stir our hearts to be generous to those who need help in the days to come. Remind us at all times that even if we end up in the middle of a storm, You are the one holding us in the palm of Your hands. Amen.”
"Ompong" is considered as the most powerful typhoon to hit the country this year. The weather bureau said as of 7 a.m. Friday, "Ompong" is packing winds at 205 kph, gustiness of 255 kph and moving toward northern Luzon at 20 kph. It will make landfall in Cagayan-Isabela area on Saturday (Sept. 15). (PNA)
