CBCP expresses solidarity, appeals for prayer and assistance for quake victims
At A Glance
- CBCP President and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera directed dioceses, parishes, religious communities, and Catholic institutions nationwide to include a special Prayer of the Faithful in all Masses on Sunday, June 14, for victims, responders, and ongoing relief efforts.
The Holy Cross Parish in Brgy. Calumpang, General Santos City sustained damage after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on June 8, 2026. (CBCP/Holy Rosary Parish Facebook)
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called for prayers and financial assistance for communities devastated by the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Sarangani and other parts of Mindanao on June 8.
In a statement released on Tuesday, June 9, CBCP president and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert A. Garcera expressed “profound sorrow and solidarity” with families affected by the disaster, as rescue and relief operations continue across hard-hit areas.
“We grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured, and stand in spiritual communion with all those who have been displaced from their homes and livelihoods,” Garcera said.
He also extended prayers for rescue workers, medical teams, government agencies, and volunteers responding to the crisis.
He said the Church must serve as “a sign of hope and a witness of charity” in times of calamity.
“As one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Their pain is our pain; their loss is our loss,” he said.
Garcera directed dioceses, parishes, religious communities, and Catholic institutions nationwide to include a special Prayer of the Faithful in all Masses on Sunday, June 14, for victims, responders, and ongoing relief efforts.
He also appealed for the conduct of a second collection during Sunday Masses, with proceeds to be coursed through diocesan social action centers and Caritas Philippines to support emergency relief and rehabilitation efforts.