DEVASTATION. A man walks among the rubble of a damaged building in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023, after the previous night’s 6.8-magnitude earthquake. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People is offering prayers and Masses to the victims of Morocco earthquake last week. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)
MANILA – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) on Tuesday said it is offering prayers and Masses to the victims of last week's earthquake in Morocco.
“We in CBCP-ECMI pray and offer our Holy Masses for the eternal repose of those who perish,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos, vice chair of the Commission in a text message to reporters.
“We invoke our almighty God to sustain and grant strength of body and spirit of those who suffered and deeply affected,” he added.
The Antipolo bishop also expressed sadness over the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that hit the northern African nation on Sept. 8, which has killed at least 2,000 people and injured 2,500 others.
"It is very sad news, a tragic event. Nature is uncertain. Calamity comes unexpected. Life is vulnerable. We don’t have any control of the forces of nature. Only God is powerful and merciful. We must rely and depend on Him. In spite of destruction, we still trust God and entrust everything in us to His providence and goodness,” he added.
At the same time, the CBCP-ECMI official noted that the Church is ready to help the people of Morocco.
“We are one with overseas chaplains to help, to extend assistance and to rebuild lives. May our merciful and all-knowing God pacify the forces of nature and heal our people,” he said.
The earthquake's epicenter was traced about 72 km. southwest of Marrakech, where some historical buildings were damaged. (PNA)
