Church calls for prayers amid Typhoon Pepito

Several dioceses nationwide have asked for prayers and vigilance from the public amid Typhoon Pepito, according to a news release by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

The Dioceses of Virac in Catanduanes said it would open its parish and mission churches to serve as evacuation centers for those seeking shelter.

“For generations, our churches have been a place of refuge and safe haven for everyone, regardless of religion,” the diocese said in a social media post.

“In this time of need, we welcome everyone to seek shelter and safety within our walls,” it added.

However, the diocese said not all churches and chapels are suitable as evacuation areas "due to structural concerns or their location in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas."

“The safety of our evacuees is our utmost priority,” it said.

The diocese urged the people to pray for protection and strength, especially for those on the path of the typhoon.

In Eastern Samar, the Diocese of Borongan has also called for prayers as it urged the people to be vigilant against the typhoon.

The Archdiocese of Caceres in Camarines Sur province also released an “oratio imperata” or obligatory prayer for God “to deliver us from all dangers”.

State weather bureau PAGASA said Pepito may reach the super typhoon category on its landfall on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Pepito is the Philippines’ 16th tropical cyclone this year, and the fourth for November alone, following Marce (Yinxing), Nika (Toraji), and Ofel (Usagi).—LDF, GMA Integrated News