The “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) on April 9 is annually held here where the Philippine President is the guest of honor along with the ambassadors of Japan and the United States.
“Our thoughts and sentiments will go with our suffering brothers and sisters in the Visayan region. Walking our way to Mount Samat, we will pray the Holy Rosary,” the chief clergyman said in an interview with Headline Gitnang Luzon.
“On top of that holy mountain, a Holy Mass will be celebrated in the afternoon for the eternal repose of the innocent victims and invoking God to grant His grace and strength for those who survived the tragic events,” Santos said.
The collections during the Holy Mass there will go to the families suffering from the effects of the recent calamities.
“The Diocese of Balanga is one with them, suffering with them and also rising with them by helping them rebuild their lives,” the prelate said.
Santos said that the collections will be in addition to the donations already given to areas heavily affected by Yolanda and the earthquake in Bohol.
A total of P906,000 cash contributions were already sent to the Archdiocese of Cebu, Archdiocese of Palo (Leyte) to Diocese of Talibon (Bohol), to Diocese of Tagbilaran (Bohol), and Caritas Manila.
“We will also send cash donations in the amount of P1.433 million for the Archdiocese of Capiz and Dioceses of San Jose (Mindoro), Naval (Biliran), Antique, Romblon and Masbate and the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay (Palawan),” Bishop Santos said.
Santos further said the clergy of Bataan also decided to forego their annual Christmas party while all the gifts and expenses will be given to the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay (Palawan) that the diocese of Balanga has decided to adopt to help and assist priests.
