National Days of Prayer set for Odette victims - CBCP

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has set two days for prayers for the recovery of communities affected by Typhoon Odette.

Dioceses are called to pray for the recovery of communities on Dec. 25 and 26. There will also be a second collection on all Masses that would be earmarked as aid in the rebuilding of homes.

The "Alay Kapwa Solidarity Fund" will be used for the Church’s collective emergency response, said CBCP President Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan.

"We encourage everyone to remit all collections to Caritas Philippines that will then plan and implement our overall response," the prelate added.

Caritas will also provide reports and updates to the dioceses.

"May this season of giving offer us more opportunities to do consistent acts of Alay Kapwa (offering of oneself)," he said.

As of posting, Caritas reported that about 10 dioceses in Visayas and Mindanao were heavily affected by the typhoon.

The powerful typhoon cut power and communication lines in the affected areas.

The total number of deaths from Typhoon Odette's wrath in Visayas and Mindanao increased to 375 from 211, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

About 500 people were hurt, including 364 in Region VII, 15 in Region VIII, three in Region 10, and 118 in Region 13.

A total of 56 individuals are still missing after the typhoon ravaged several parts of Visayas and Mindanao, the PNP said. Of the number, 47 are missing in Region 7, one in Region 8 and eight in Region 13. -- BAP, GMA News