Diocese of Parañaque Bishop Jesse Mercado has called on the faithful to be “God’s instruments to help amid the pandemic and the natural calamities that have affected many Filipinos.”

The Church leader made the appeal amid the existing threat of the coronavirus, the incessant rains that have caused flooding and landslides in many parts of the country, and the recent earthquake that struck Calatagan, Batangas.

“We need to heighten the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ to help the needy like the setting up of more community pantries,” said Mercado, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.

“We do not need to shell out big amounts to help. No matter how minimal our donations might be, it will suffice. I am appealing to everyone to be instruments of God in helping the needy and all those affected by the floods, the earthquake, and the pandemic. Let us heighten the spirit of ‘bayanihan,’” Mercado said over Radio Veritas.

“‘The hand of the Lord feeds us. He answers all our needs. We just have to trust the Lord. Let us lift all our concerns to our ever loving God,” the prelate added.

Bishop Mercado shared a prayer for deliverance against danger brought about by calamities and the pandemic.

“Panginoon, Kayo ang bukal ng grasya at buhay, kayo ang aming sanggalang.Bigyan niyo po kami ng lakas at pananalig sa mga panahong ito, iligtas niyo po ang aming mga kababayan na naapektuhan ng baha at lindol, at tulungan niyo po kaming maging bukas palad sa kanila. Ito’y hinihiling namin sa ngalan ni Hesukristong aming Panginoon. Amen. O Maria, Ina ng Laging Saklolo, Ipanalanin mo kami.San Jose, Ipanalangin mo kami.”