Two priests have become the most beloved priests in the Philippines after images of them celebrating Mass despite the storm that was pounding the church went viral on social media.
On December 16, 2021, as Typhoon Rai made heavy landfall in the Philippines, devastating the country and killing nearly 400 people, Father Virgilio Salas continued to celebrate Mass despite the terrifying howls of the wind. The storm is rolling into the church.
More than a week after “super typhoon” Rai passed, making landfall in the central and southern Philippines from December 16, 2021, the damage caused by this disaster is increasing: 375 people died and hundreds of thousands of people. currently have no roof over their heads, no water and no electricity. Survivors are organizing themselves to help each other, especially through their network of parishes.
Father Virgilio Salas told ABS-CBN News: “Even in storms, faith continues.” He continued to celebrate Mass and broadcast despite the fierce winds that hit the island of Bohol, where his church is located, on December 16. Indeed, on that day, Mass at the parish of the Earth. The Immaculate Heart of Mary in Tagbilaran, a city located on the island of Bohol, is scheduled for 4pm. A small number of members attended.
Despite the winds of the growing storm, Father Virgilio Salas, with the support of another parish priest, continued to celebrate Mass and televise it live on the Internet:
“We continued to celebrate Mass even though there were only a few people present. The Church is committed to always praying for its faithful,” Father Salas told the media afterward. Another priest explained that he felt both fear of the storm and the serenity of someone who prioritizes the spiritual life of the faithful.
Actively face the next storm
The two priests are Bohol natives and are used to hurricanes: that's why they invested in a generator.
They also lobbied the community to adopt better measures to deal with recurring storms. In this regard, they highlighted the need to change the attitudes of people and local authorities:
We are more reactive than proactive. We know a storm is coming, but we don't move until it happens. The stations could not supply water because of the lack of electricity. We can be proactive by providing generators for pumping stations and by providing lighting and emergency equipment powered by solar energy.
The parish has been doing its part and continues to encourage people to do their part, at this time through donations of food, water and lights. Of course, the priests are also giving them spiritual support:
In the midst of a storm, the disciples asked Jesus, “Teacher, we are already dead, and you have nothing to worry about. And the Lord asked them, "Why are you so cowardly?"
The priests also recall the poverty in the stable where Jesus was born and draw a parallel between Christmas and helping others:
“Even if it's something as simple as water, share the water you have. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas despite the disaster. We are always here to do everything in our power for you.”