Albayanos, Fil-Chi Communities Offer Holy Mass, Prayers for Hostage Victims

Legazpi City (27 August) -- The province of Albay has enjoined all sectors to support and pray for the victims of Monday's bloody hostage crisis.

"In response to the hostage crisis, the Provincial Government of Albay, local Catholic Church, Filipino-Chinese community, Catholic schools, city government here and other local government units will hold simultaneous Mass Offering with special intentions for the Hong Kong nationals hostage victims, both for those who perished and survived," Albay Governor Joey Salceda said.

This special mass will be on Sunday, 9:30 am in 54 churches across Albay, including St. Gregory the Great Cathedral in Albay district here, Our Lady of the Gate Church in Daraga town, St. Jude Chapel, Our Lady of Fatima in this city and all other parishes in the province.

"Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Maria O. Ravanilla started the idea and the provincial government of Albay fully supports it," Salceda added.

Salceda furthered that the Albay masses will also give special intention to the Filipinos, who are at this moment still at grief because of the tragic event that unfold last Monday where nine Hong Kong nationals died including the Police Capt. Rolando Mendoza the hostage taker,

Salceda said "Albayanos will also pray for Pinoys and PNoy in response to the hostage crisis."

Filipino and Chinese residents here will also join hands to offer special prayers for the Hong Kong victims who perished and survived during the masses. (PIA V)