One of the chaplains to the Filipino community in London who was incommunicado last week is safe and well.
Concerns were growing for the safety of Fr Cirino Potrido, who works in the Archdiocese of Westminster, who was in the Philippines when Typhoon Haiyan struck.
Fr Cirino Potrido is from the island of Cebu, which has been devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. He had flown home to his family for a month-long pre-arranged visit.
Fr Potrido made contact with the diocese at the end of last week. He is expected to remain in the Philippines for the foreseeable future.
Fr Jake Dicto, a Scalabrini Father and a fellow Filipino chaplain based in the Archdiocese of Southwark, said a number of the Filipino community in London had not heard from relatives and were anxious for news.
On Friday a Mass was said at Westminster Cathedral for the storm victims.
In his homily the Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, said one of the diocese’s auxiliaries, Bishop John Arnold, would be travelling out to the Philippines this week “to carry our love and our prayers to your country in this time of need”.
Archbishop Nichols also praised Filipinos in Britain “who enrich our country greatly by your faith, your prayers and your work”. He added: “We salute you in all you do here and we stand by you.”
Among those attending the Mass was the International Development Secretary, Justine Greening. A spokesman said the archbishop welcomed the participation of the minister at the Mass, adding: "It demonstrated a mark of respect for the Filipino community and recognised the importance of prayer in their hour of need."
The Apostleship of the Sea has been helping Filipinos who work at sea receive news about the storm. Sr Marian Davey, Felixstowe port chaplain, spent the weekend after the typhoon struck assisting Filipino seafarers whose homes and families have been affected.
Top: A nun lights a candle in Westminster Cathedral at the Mass for victims of the typhoon. Above: Archbishop Nichols greets Justine Greening. Photos: © Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
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