28 November 2013– The Philippine Embassy in Madrid organized a special mass for the victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) on November 21. The mass was presided by His Eminence Antonio María Rouco Varela, the Archbishop Cardinal of Madrid and was held at the Crypt of the Catedral Santa María la Real de la Almudena, seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid.
The mass was co-celebrated by His Eminence Renzo Fratini, Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Antonio Astillero Bastante, the Episcopal Vicar, Dean and Parish Priest of the Crypt of the Almudena Cathedral, Fr. Rey Legayada, Filipino Chaplain Priest based in Marbella, and other priests representing the Dominican, Franciscan, and Vincentian orders.
In his homily, the Cardinal expressed how much he shares the pain and the loss of lives of Filipinos in this tragedy. He extended his sympathies to every Filipino, especially to those who are personally affected by the typhoon.
Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos C. Salinas also spoke before the end of the mass. He shared before the congregation the latest figures of casualties and damages and what the government is doing to alleviate the situation. At the same time, he lauded the “bayanihan” spirit of Filipinos which is largely contributing to the efficiency of the relief efforts. He also emphasized the outpouring of assistance from the international community, mentioning the support and humanitarian aid from the Spanish government and people.
Ambassador Salinas likewise expressed gratitude to Cardinal Rouco for presiding the mass, which manifests his affection to the Filipinos, and for facilitating the venue for such an occasion.
The mass was attended by more than 300 people from the Filipino community, Spanish government and private sectors, Diplomatic Corps, and friends of the Embassy. Among the guests were: Spanish Foreign Ministry Secretary of State for External and Iberoamerican Affairs, Mr. Gonzalo de Benito; Chief of Protocol José María Rodríguez Coso; Congresswoman of Madrid, Ma. Carmen Rodriguez Flores; Congresswoman of Valladolid, Ma. Arenales Serrano; Secretary General of Instituto Cervantes, Mr. Rafael Ponga-Rodriguez; Director of Casa Asia, Mr. Ramon Moreno; Ambassadors of Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia, and representatives from the Embassies of Indonesia and Japan. END