ILOILO City – In the wake of mild earthquakes that rattled Iloilo early this week, Jaro Archbishop Midyphil Billones has called for a “holistic response” from the Catholic faithful — one that strengthens not just church buildings, but also the mental resilience and spiritual grounding of parish communities.
In a circular issued on October 16, Archbishop Billones said the 4.2-magnitude tremor recorded near Guimbal on October 15 and a 2.2-magnitude aftershock in Ajuy the following day should serve as a “wake-up call” for collective preparedness.
“These events are not just natural calamities but an urgent call for a unified and proactive response from the church community,” he said, expressing gratitude for divine protection that spared the faithful from harm.
The prelate outlined a threefold action plan centered on structural, mental, and spiritual integrity to ensure the Church’s readiness in the face of future disasters.
Structural Integrity
Archbishop Billones urged all parishes to assess the safety of their churches, schools, and rectories, particularly older structures that may be vulnerable to earthquakes.
He encouraged parish leaders to “work with qualified professionals” and to review previous assessments critically.
By doing so, he said, “the church demonstrates its stewardship and responsibility to ensure the safety of its members.”
Mental Integrity
The archbishop also emphasized the need for mental preparedness through clear disaster response protocols, educational campaigns, and regular drills in coordination with local disaster risk reduction offices.
By equipping parishioners with proper knowledge, he said, the church can “help mitigate anxiety and foster a culture of preparedness.”
Spiritual Integrity
Above all, Archbishop Billones reminded the faithful to strengthen their faith amid uncertainty, calling for communal prayers such as the Oratio Imperata and the Holy Rosary as acts of entrustment to God.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God,” he quoted from Isaiah 41:10, urging the faithful to seek “forgiveness and a renewed relationship with the divine.”
He also invoked the intercession of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles), the patroness of the Archdiocese of Jaro, for continuous guidance and protection./PN
