Catholic soldiers and police hear mass at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City, the first held there since May 23, 2017.Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay / Westmincom

Pontifical charity group launches caravan for Marawi cathedral restoration

by · philstar

MANILA, Philippines — Pontifical charitable organization Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Philippines has launched a caravan dedicated to funding the restoration of the destroyed Marawi Cathedral and its surrounding mission facilities.

In a statement, the pontifical charity said that it rolled out the Caravan for Peace and Solidarity: Padayon Marawi for the 84-year-old pro-cathedral.

“This caravan calls on dioceses, parishes, organizations, schools, families, and individual faithful to accompany the Prelature of Marawi through prayer, solidarity, and financial support as it continues rebuilding the Church's pastoral mission in one of the country's most challenging mission territories,” ACN’s statement read.

While almost nine years have passed since Islamic State-linked militants laid siege to the Islamic city, ACN said the Pro-Cathedral of Marawi continues to grapple with the scars of the conflict.

“Many pastoral facilities remain in need of restoration, while the local Church continues to accompany families as they heal from the trauma of conflict and rebuild their communities,” ACN said.

“The Padayon Marawi Caravan seeks to mobilize support for priority pastoral projects of the Prelature of Marawi, especially the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the cathedral and mission facilities, the formation of lay leaders, and pastoral programs that promote peace, reconciliation, and positive dialogue,” it added.

Beyond structural rebuilding, funds generated by the caravan will also finance local pastoral programs, the formation of lay leaders, and community initiatives centered on peace, reconciliation, and interfaith dialogue.

"Our mission is not simply to raise funds. Our mission is to raise faithful hearts,” ACN Philippines President Don Buhain said.

The Marawi Pro-Cathedral, St. Mary’s Cathedral, was attacked in May 2017 by the ISIS-inspired Maute group.

Footage uploaded online by the militants showed them overturning and destroying religious statues, ripping up images of the late Pope Francis, and defacing the altar area.