BM/156/2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
After super-typhoon Mankhut swept through Macau and gradually moved away, on September 16 (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time) many areas of the city were flooded, with the water in low-lying areas exceeding 1.5 meters in depth, and causing the temporary suspension of power and water in about 20,000 households. Thank God, fortunately, there were no reports of serious damage in Macau.
I believe this situation reminds us of last year’s Hato. However, with the preparedness of both government and the public at large, the extent of the disaster in Macau was effectively mitigated and the city was quickly restored to order, thanks to the effective government measures implemented before and after the typhoon.
The northern district, however, including a few churches and educational facilities of the diocese, has been damaged by flooding. Here, I appeal to all of my brothers and sisters to pay attention to personal safety first, and – to the extent possible – to go to various churches, schools and social service organizations, and form volunteer groups under the assistance of various parishes and institutional units to maintain, clean up and rebuild public facilities in Macau. In addition, I also particularly urge everyone to be united in prayers for the fire department, police, medical and municipal staff who work day and night to assist in the repairing of infrastructure such as power and water services, to clean up the streets, and so on. Let us pray for their health, their families and their work, and thank them for their contributions.
In addition, I also encourage you to continue praying for the SAR Government with the hope that, after two super-typhoons, the authorities will be able to seriously address the problem of flooding in low-lying areas, to build facilities such as dikes as soon as possible, and to improve road drainage systems and thus provide a long-term solution to the damage caused by coastal flooding.
Finally, I would like to offer some words in prayer:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
(Psalm 46)
God is the Almighty one, He is our consolation.
In the midst of sudden disasters, storms and floods surround us with Your grace and peace.
Grant us the confidence to seek You amidst difficulties.
When we sink, stretch forth Your hands to sustain us.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, save those who are lost.
Protect those who labor to rescue or to rebuild in the midst of danger.
May we be filled with your solace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, our Rock, our Hope in the storm and our eternal Savior.
May the Lord bless us all.
Dom Stephen Lee Bun Sang
Bishop of Macau
17 September 2018
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