Diocese of Malolos offers prayers for victims of collapsed church floor

What remains of the wooden flooring after it collapsed on February 14, 2024, while people attended the mass for ash Wednesday at the St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Bulacan. The Diocese of Malolos has asked for prayers for the victims of the tragic incident. Photo: City of San Jose del Monte Public Information Office Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The Diocese of Malolos has asked for prayers for the victims of the tragic incident in the St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Bulacan on February 14.

During the morning mass for Ash Wednesday, a portion of the second floor of the church collapsed, which caused one death and more than 60 injuries.

READ: 1 dead, 63 injured in Bulacan church collapse

“We pray for the eternal repose of the faithful departed and we offer our sincere condolences and assurance of assistance to the family,” Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo said in a statement.

“As we pray for healing and consolation to all those affected, we invoke the consoling motherly care of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the steadfast faith of St. Peter,” he added.

The lone death was identified as Luneta Morales, an 80-year-old woman who was part of the church choir.

Currently, city authorities are also investigating the incident.

READ: 44 injured as second floor of Bulacan church collapses

Villarojo added that he has also instructed parish priests to check the structural integrity of their churches.

I have also instructed all parish priests to check their parish structures considering the great number of faithful coming every year to Lenten celebrations.