Update on the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon (MIA)

As the reports reach us, we are coming to realize the depth of the disaster caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

Many of the Aid Agencies say it is beyond anything they have experienced before. UNICEF has highlighted particularly the plight of children and is very concerned about the vulnerability of those who are homeless and are orphaned because of losing their parents in the disaster. Tacloban, one of the main places where our Sisters live and minister is so badly destroyed that much effort is concentrated on evacuating the city. One wonders if or how long it will take to restore normal life there. Our Sisters, their families and those with whom and to whom they minister are engulfed in the chaos, the trauma and the pain of it all.

The Mercy world is responding with boundless generosity.

• Prayers continue to be posted daily at Catherine’s grave and in Catherine’s chapel
• Donations are pouring in. Over €220,000 euro has been deposited in the Support A/C set up by MIA. More is pledged. Mary of the Isles Community in Cork, from where the foundation in Tacloban was made is also receiving donations as is the Mercy Community/Province in Buffalo (NyPPaW), which has over 40 members ministering in the Philippines.
• Trocaire, the Irish Catholic Church Agency, has offered Mercy €50,000 for immediate aid, provided we can present a plan and budget for its use. The aid is intended for emergency food, medical and shelter supplies. With assistance from Sr.Virgencita Alegado, Mercy Leader in Mindanao and Sr. Carmella Cabactulan, Mercy Leader in Tacloban, we intend to avail of this grant.
• Members of the public, wishing to support Mercy, have been in contact to notify their intention to run events to raise money for or to contribute directly to the aid effort. The Columban Fathers and the Oblates in Ireland are directing their donors to Mercy.
• The Mercy involvement in the Philippines and the effect of the typhoon on their ministries was carried in an interview given by Sr. Assumpta Walsh, Bermondsey, UK to BBC4 on Sunday last. Following this a group from Plymouth, UK pledged monthly aid over the coming months and Sky Vision, a UK production company that is working on a documentary on the Philippines typhoon wish to include the effects on the Mercy facilities in Tacloban. Catholic Ireland.net also gave extensive coverage to Mercy involvement in the Philippines and response to the disaster.

Your prayers, donations and concern are greatly appreciated by Mercy International and in a particular way by our Sisters in the Philippines. Please continue to use your network of influence to invite others to get involved in the support effort.

If you would like to get an overview of Mercy Ministry in the Philippines click here. A fuller description can be accessed here

Messages to: Mary Reynolds rsm - Executive Director MIA