Malolos, Bulacan Bishop Dennis Villarojo sent his deepest sympathies to the parishioners who have been affected by the collapsed portion of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
A portion of the church suddenly collapsed while a mass was being celebrated for Ash Wednesday.
This has resulted in the death of an 80-year-old parishioner and injured 52 people who were immediately rushed to hospitals for treatment.
"We pray for the eternal repose of the faithful departed, and we offer our sincere condolences and assurance of assistance to the family," Villarojo said in a statement.
"As we pray for healing and consolation for all those affected, we invoke the consoling motherly care of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the steadfast faith of St. Peter," he furthered.
The bishop assured that parish priest Fr. Romulo Perez, his parochial vicar Fr. Divino Cayanan, and the Diocese of Malolos are making the best effort to assist affected individuals and their families.
"The city authorities are currently investigating the incident, and the parish church is closed until further notice," said Villarojo.
He said that he instructed all parish priests to check their parish structures, considering the great number of parishioners coming every year to Lenten celebrations.
