London: Archbishop Nichols to offer Mass for Filipino community

Westminster Cathedral

The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, will offer Mass for the Philippines and the Filipino community in this country at Westminster Cathedral at 5.30pm tomorrow, Friday 15 November. His Excellency Enrique A Manalo, Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and members of his staff will be at the Mass, as will representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

This week the Bishops of England and Wales called for prayers to be offered for the people of the Philippines, following the intense storm last weekend. As many as 2,500 people have died and over 10 million affected by Typhoon Haiyan, with up to a million made homeless.

Aid agencies predict that humanitarian needs will increase as the devastation becomes apparent in more remote areas. As part of the aid response, CAFOD is organising an emergency collection in all parishes this weekend.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols said: "So many parishes benefit from the lively faith and contribution of the Filipino community and we all benefit from their significant contribution to hospitals and the caring services in this country. Now, in their hour of need, we must support them in prayer and generosity."