Prayers for Haiti at the Philippine Center in New York

2/14/2010 | Ayala Foundation USA

The Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations, the Consulate General of the Philippines and the United Nations Staff Recreation Council's Philippine Cultural Society jointly sponsored an ecumenical gathering recently at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue, New York City.

It started with a concelebrated Catholic mass followed by prayers from the representatives from Morning Star New York (MSNY). What started as a simple prayer request turned into a well-attended and significant gathering of Filipino-American community and United Nations officials and staff. Everyone paid tribute to the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti and prayed for miracles for the missing, and comfort, strength and peace for the families who lost their loved ones.

Among those confirmed dead are three Filipinos: United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti staff, Jerome Yap; and members of the Philippine military and police peacekeepers in Haiti, Phil. Navy Petty Officer Pearlie Panangui and Phil. Army Sgt. Eustacio Bermudez. Jerome' s sisters Marnie Yap and Malu Yap Stern, and aunt Lulu Abrigo, who reside in New York, attended the evening of prayers.

Also present were United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and Department of Field Support (DFS) officials: Donna-Marie Maxfield, Chief of Staff, DPKO/DFS; Paul Johnson, Acting Director, Field Personnel Division, DFS; from the DPKO/DFS Executive Office Joel Cohen, Sonie Barnido and Evelyn Pana. Ms. Maxfield gave a touching eulogy about how she knew Jerome, who worked at the United Nations for 20 years, having served in Kosovo, Liberia and Haiti on mission.

Philippine Consul General in New York Cecilia B. Rebong also spoke, expressing her condolences to the Yap family and others affected, and her thanks to all those who came and helped organize the event. In his speech, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, Ambassador Hilario G. Davide, Jr., encouraged all to see the bright side - that Haiti, despite the devastation, has become a light for the world by bringing nations together in prayer and generosity.

The mass was concelebrated by Fr. Mike Lagrimas, Fr. Julito Cabatuan and Fr. Nito Bundac. In his homily, Fr. Mike talked about how suffering did not come from God. Rather, He allowed it because of respect for man's free will; God's power to turn evil into good; and the redemptive value in suffering. After the mass, MSNY's Pastor Bruce Ho and Dr. Masahide Kanayama led those present in prayer, invoking God to soothe the pain of those in Haiti, aid the ongoing rescue and relief ongoing efforts and bless the souls of those who perished. MSNY's Pastor Marlon Santos was also present at the event to read the petitions in the mass. MSNY belongs to the Every Nation Ministries and is a sister church of Victory Christian Fellowship in the Philippines.

Offertory collections from the mass were donated to the Haiti fund, care of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations.

It was an evening of spontaneous outpouring of love for Haiti, those who have passed away, those still suffering, and those in different parts of the world still waiting for their loved ones to be found. It was an evening when everyone felt united in spirit and in prayer.