The Masses and prayers included invocations to the Lord to protect those affected by the foul weather.

In what appears to be a response to criticisms of the Church being disconnected with its flock, the Archbishop of Manila yesterday called on parishes to open their gates and accommodate those affected by flooding brought by heavy monsoon rains.

“We are inviting everyone to continue praying for our brothers affected by the calamity and for them to approach the parochial church or the Diocesan Caritas and Social Action Centers if you are in need of help,” Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle said in a statement.

Continuous monsoon rains the past two days resulted in massive flooding in Metro Manila and Rizal. The heavy downpour was due to the effects of tropical storm “Karding” which has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

“First of all, to those who were affected by the rains and floods, you are all part of our prayers this Sunday and since last night. The Masses and prayers included invocations to the Lord to protect to protect those affected by the foul weather,” Tagle said.

“And for those who are ready to help we are calling on you to provide assistance in whatever way and for you to maintain contact with your parishes, barangay, the Caritas and the different Social Action Centers,” he added.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said it has not recorded any casualty due to the severe weather brought by the southwest monsoon which is battering Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“I hope it stays that way,” OCD spokesman Edgar Posadas said.

When asked on the extent of the flooding in Metro Manila, Posadas said it is attributable to the high rainfall volume which was recorded on Saturday.

“The rains were really massive yesterday (Saturday),” he added.

Heavy monsoon rains drenched areas in the National Capital Region, particularly Manila, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig and the towns of San Mateo and Rodriguez in Rizal on Saturday.

Some localities in Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur were also affected as three roads there were made impassable which were later cleared by the Department of Public Works and Highways personnel.

The number of affected families is still for validation as of this posting, the OCD spokesman added.