'Prayer is the most important thing we can do'

Bishop Michael Mulvey celebrated Mass for the people of the Philippines and Vietnam who have been affected by the Nov. 12 devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan. The Mass celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Corpus Christi on Nov. 21, brought together many culturally different Catholics who stood and prayed together in solidarity for those still suffering.

“We stand tonight in prayer with those in the Philippines who have lost loved ones, those who have lost their lives, those who have lost properties or in so many ways have been affected. Prayer is the most important thing we can do,” Bishop Mulvey said in his homily.

Concelebrating Mass with Bishop Mulvey were Father Rogel Rosalinas, SOLT, Father Eulalio Ibay, STD, Father Hanh Van Pham, Father Joseph T. Nguyen, Father Paul Hesse, Father Pedro T. Elizardo, Jr., Msgr. Louis F. Kihneman, III, VG, and Father Peter Martinez. Deacon Frank Rodriguez and seminarian Ramiro Regalado assisted in the Mass.

	Father Ibay thanks diocese for their overwhelming support and solidarity. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

Following the Mass Father Ibay thanked Bishop Mulvey and the whole diocese for their overwhelming support and solidarity with the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

He then spoke to the Filipino community in their native language. "This is the biggest challenge that Filipino people have to face. But it is so wonderful to know that the outpouring of support was tremendous. We gathered here to pray for all the victims of this typhoon. Our faith in the Lord is even stronger than hurricane and all natural calamities.

“Tayo ay lumuluhog sa awa ng ating Panginoong Diyos, tanganan ang kanyang mapagpalang kamay; naway kanyang kahabagan ang kanyang mga anak na naghihirap, umaasang sa kanyang dakilang ngalan.” We approach the throne of God’s grace, grasp His mighty hand and beseech Him to be with these needy people who call on His mighty name," Father Ibay said.

In a letter to all pastors and administrators throughout the diocese, Bishop Mulvey asked that they take up a second collection for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan this weekend Nov. 30-Dec. 1.

Those wishing to contribute to the relief effort online can do so on the diocese’s Web site at diocesecc.org/give. If you do not have an account and do not wish to create an account, go to "Quick Give" and on the next page click on "Continue to Quick Give".