Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
As we look around our islands in the aftermath of Supertyphoon Bavi, we see both the incredible strength of our people and the painful reality of the destruction left behind. This trial is especially heavy as we are all still weary and actively recovering from the devastation of Supertyphoon Sinlaku. To be hit again so soon tests our strength, but it also calls us to rely even deeper on our faith and on each other.
While every village across our islands is feeling the strain of these back-to-back storms, our brothers and sisters on the island of Rota have borne a severe brunt of this disaster. The people of Rota are facing immense heartbreak, with families displaced, homes destroyed, and basic infrastructure crippled.
Amidst this island-wide devastation, our two sister parishes on Rota—San Francisco de Borja and San Isidro Labrador—have suffered damage. When one part of our diocesan family hurts, we all hurt. In times of compounding crisis, our faith calls us to move beyond words and into action to lift up the people of Rota.
To provide immediate comfort and aid, all Sunday Collections across the diocese this weekend—including the Saturday, July 11 Anticipated Masses and all Sunday, July 12 Masses—will be entirely dedicated to San Francisco and San Isidro parishes for the relief of our sisters and brothers in Rota.
Your financial support this weekend will go directly toward:
• Emergency Humanitarian Relief: Providing food, clean water, and urgent supplies to families across Rota who are facing compounding losses.
• Urgent Church Repairs: Helping rebuild and secure the sacred spaces of San Francisco and San Isidro so they can continue to be beacons of hope, shelter, and safety for the island.
We know that everyone is stretched thin right now as we all navigate our own recovery from Sinlaku and Bavi. We simply ask that you open your hearts and be as generous as your circumstances allow. If you cannot give financially, your prayers are just as powerful—please keep our sisters and brothers in Rota in your daily intentions.
Thank you for your enduring spirit, your kindness, and for always looking out for one another. Together, rooted in faith, we will help Rota rebuild once again.
Off-Island & Online Donations:
For those who are off-island and wish to donate to this cause, you can send your donation securely online via PayPal:
Click Here to Donate via PayPal
• Please be sure to include a note stating: “Rota Relief”
