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The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Sunday offered prayers to those who "suffered" especially the victims of the recent cyclones that hit the country.
"Lord almighty and loving God we pray for our people especially to those who are suffering and those who died in the recent storms and even as one is set to be coming to the Philippines. We pray for the homeless, the elderly and children," said CBCP president Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles.
"Let us pray that they would never lose hope, the goodness of the Lord and faith and love and care for the Lord," Valles added.
Valles also hoped that others would continue "to bring aid, help and comfort to those who are suffering."
The CBCP head also called on Filipinos to welcome the New Year with mercy and compassion amid the darkness and suffering felt by the people.
"We'll keep our hope that through our kindness and care for each other, people will know and feel that the Lord is love," Valles said.
Spread good news, not hate
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church's social action arm, Caritas Philippines, also prayed for a country committed to eradicating poverty and upholding human rights this coming year.
“We pray and work for a Philippines prosperous in human and spiritual values, committed to eradicate poverty and corruption, dedicated in upholding human rights and the sacredness of life, unflinching in its fights against illegal drugs and human trafficking, enlightened to choose worthy leaders, and a Philippines proud of its heritage, yet open to the family of nations," said Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona, the organization's national director.
Tirona stressed that even 2017 was full of challenges for the Philippines, there were still a lot of blessings to be grateful for.
"Though 2017 have presented us with challenges which almost divided us as a nation, we have many other things to be thankful of. Our resilient spirit made us rise above the numerous typhoons," Tirona said.
"Despite the many environmental struggles we have faced, our efforts to protect the environment especially against mining have been sustained and produced positive results. The anti-drug campaign has endeavored us to stand up for life and uphold human rights," he added.
Tirona also encouraged the public to spread good news instead of hate and negativity, especially in the realm of social media.
"There is still hope. Many beautiful things are still happening. Social media is springing with viral posts of Filipinos doing good deeds. This is what we need to spread. Instead of negative news and hate, let us make it a habit to share the good news, and do good things no matter how small. From hope, we can make love, compassion and Caritas viral in our homes," Tirona said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/ALG, GMA News