3000 attend Mass in Auckland of victims of typhoon Haiyan

Friday, November 15th, 2013

More than 3000 people attended a special mass celebrated by Bishop Patrick Dunn, for the victims of typhoon Haiyan at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland, New Zealand, on Wednesday evening.

Bishop Dunn said that a large congregation had been expected, but they had been overwhelmed by the numbers of people who came.

It was the biggest gathering he had seen at the Cathedral, he said.

Radio New Zealand reported that the church was filled to overflowing, with as many people standing outside the church as inside. The distribution of communion took almost one hour

“Our hearts ache for the people in the Philippines,” Bishop Dunn said today, “and for those many thousands of Filippinos who live here in our Auckland Diocese, many of whom are unable to make contact with their families and friends because of the breakdown in infrastructure and communications.”

A special collection was taken up to be sent to the Catholic international aid agency, Caritas, to augment the $100,000 they are raising to send to the Philippines.

Other Masses to pray for the Philippines scheduled:

Wellington
7pm, Friday 15 November
Sts Peter & Paul, Knights Rd Lower Hutt

Hamilton
7pm, Friday 15 November
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Grey St Hamilton

Christchurch
6.30pm, Friday 22 November
St Teresa of Lisieux, Puriri St, Riccarton

4pm, 8 December
Christ the King, Greers Rd Burnside

Ashburton
7pm, 8 December

There are other Masses planned but times and places have yet to be decided.

St Patrick’s Cathedral will is open each day from 6am to 8pm for people who wish to pray, light a candle, or make an offering in the donation box to support the Caritas appeal.

Sources