Pilgrimage to Mt. Samat for victims

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO— Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos led a pilgrimage to Mt. Samat in Pilar town, Bataan province, on Saturday to seek strength for the victims of disasters in the Visayas.

“This time, our thoughts and sentiments go with our suffering brothers and sisters in the region of Visayas,” Santos said in a statement. The event coincided with the first Sunday of Advent.

Santos said a 5 p.m. Mass was scheduled on the same day for the “eternal repose of the innocent victims.” He invoked “God to grant his grace and strength for those [who] survived the tragic events.”

Collections will be sent as donations to the typhoon-ravaged areas.

The Diocese of Balanga has given P50,000 to the Archdiocese of Cebu, P100,000 to the Archdiocese of Palo town, Leyte province, P200,000 to the Diocese of Talibon and P356,000 to the Diocese of Tagbilaran, both in Bohol province, and P200,000 to Caritas Manila. Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon