To the Bishops, Clergy and Faithful of the Philippines,

Since Friday, we have seen the increasingly devastating reports of the tragedy which has
befallen your country. As President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), I
know I speak on behalf of all my fellow Canadian Bishops when I assure each and every one of
you of our prayers and thoughts at this trying time of national emergency.

Today, we are united with the Holy Father who, at the Angelus in Saint-Peter’s Square,
invited all people to silent and public prayer for the many who lost their lives and for all who are
in such pain at this time. We are united with the many emergency workers and volunteers who
are involved in helping those who are most in need: the injured, the homeless, the bereaved. We
are united to you as you reach out in generosity and compassion in serving the great pastoral
needs of your people.

As you know, many of your family and friends live in Canada. Their pain is particularly
evident, especially as they await news of their loved one. They also are not forgotten by us and
we pledge our care and outreach to them.

The Lord Jesus Christ stands with us in this crisis. We pray that he will give you strength
and renewed faith in this terrible time.

Sincerely yours in Christ our Lord,
+Paul-André Durocher
Archbishop of Gatineau and
President of the Canadian Conference
of Catholic Bishops