MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared November 8 as a National Day of Prayer for the first anniversary of super typhoon Yolanda.
“On Nov. 8, 2014, the Filipino nation will commemorate the anniversary of typhoon Yolanda that has ravaged the country’s Central Visayas region. Thus, we declare Nov. 8 this year as a National Day of Prayer, especially for the victims and survivors of the typhoon,” CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas said.
Prelatures, diocese, schools and organizations are encouraged to hold activities in commemoration of the said event.
People Surge, an alliance of Yolanda survivors, are preparing a two-day rally in Tacloban City for the Yolanda anniversary wherein 20,000 participants who are survivors of calamities from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are expected.
A nationwide simultaneous ringing of church bells is scheduled at 6:00 p.m. on the same day followed by a commemorative prayer, which reads:
A PRAYER WITH THE FAMILIES AFFECTED BY TYPHOON YOLANDA ( November 8 )
Most loving Father,
One year ago, the fury of Typhoon Yolanda made us experience darkness and the pain of losing everything; it made us understand the meaning of despair.
But in the midst of all these, You never have forsaken us.
In the most special way, You gifted us courage and strength to rise again.
In the most loving way, You shielded us with mercy and compassion.
And you accomplished miracles through those who came to our aid.
And as we remember that day today, we thank You for the gift of faith, hope and love.
We thank you for bringing us closer to you.
We thank you for letting us live another day.
Spare our nation from the wrath of nature, as we find ways to care for your Creation.
Glory be…
The government is yet to release a final list of fatalities as identification is still ongoing. The National Risk Reduction Management Council stopped counting at 6,300 casualties.