Prelate to officiate mass for 4 Filipino fishermen who died in collapse of bridge in Taiwan

Prelate to officiate mass for 4 Filipino fishermen who died in collapse of bridge in Taiwan
Leslie Ann Aquino October 22, 2019 https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/10/22/prelate-to-officiate-mass-for-4-filipi...

The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People will offer a Mass for the four Filipino fishermen who died when a bridge collapsed in Taiwan earlier this month.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said the Mass will be held on October 23 at the cathedral of the Our Lady of Holy Rosary in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

“We take this rare opportunity to offer holy masses for the eternal repose of the four Filipino fishermen who perished because of collapsed bridge,” he said in a statement.

“On that day we will express our gratitude and appreciation for valuable help and gracious assistance to the deceased and their bereaved families,” added Santos.

And since the mass will be attended by overseas Filipino workers, the prelate said the reflections will focus on our life’s journey here on earth.

“Our life here on earth is a journey, a pilgrimage towards our true home. Life is a ship. Ship sails amidst storms and braves the open seas. And so our migrants and seafarers. Amidst separation and sacrifices they sail, they migrate and work abroad,” said Santos.

“Ship carries cargoes. Our migrants and seafarers have many loads to carry. They are burdened. They take family responsibilities. Yet they continue, without complaining. They persevere to make them successful, to have better life. And this is for migrants and seafarers a ship reaching her port. To be safely back home,” he added.

Santos is currently in Taiwan to attend the International Christian Maritime Association world conference.