Diocese of Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos will offer a funeral mass at the Santo Domingo Parish in Talim Island for the casualties of the boat that capsized on its way to Talim Island from Binangonan in Rizal.
Bishop Ruperto Santos (Facebook)
Parish priest Fr. Edwin Tirado will co celebrate the mass for the eternal repose of the souls of those who perished in the tragedy as well as for strength for their families.
“Once the Coast Guard allows the travel, we will set the funeral mass, and I will go there. As of now, we pray and offer our Holy Masses for the eternal repose of those who perished and implore our God for His grace and strength to all the bereaving families,” said Bishop Santos over Radio Veritas.
The Church leader earlier instructed all parishes under his jurisdiction to hold a second collection In Sunday masses on July 30 for the families of the victims.
Bishop Santos said he was greatly saddened by the tragic accident on Thursday, July 27, that claimed 27 lives after Princess Arya, a small motorized passenger boat capsized.
The Antipolo Social Action Commission (SAC) led by SAC director Fr. Bien Miguel, Jr. and assistant SAC director Fr. Alex Miday have also started coordinating with the families of the victims that included five parish workers and a teacher at the Our Lady of Peace School in Antipolo.
“The Diocese is very much proactive to help and assist the victims and their families. Our Diocese is at their service especially in this moment of great loss and bereavement,” Bishop Santos stressed.
Around 40 passengers were rescued from the incident but only 22 names were listed in the passenger manifesto.