Philippine earthquake survivors hope to dine with Pope

Several survivors of the earthquake that devastated the Philippine province of Bohol last year are among those set to dine with Pope Francis when he visits the country in January next year. "We will be sending some of my people there who were victims of the quake, five of them. They will dine with the pope," said Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol.  The bishop expressed hope that the pope will also visit Bohol "even for just one or two hours to counsel our people".  The prelate said that the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, which struck the central Philippines in October last year, ruined 33 churches in his diocese.  Bishops Medroso said people later built "alternative churches" using tents where Masses are still being held. Archbishop John Du of Palu recently revealed that Pope Francis will dine with 30 typhoon and earthquake victims when he visits Tacloban City on January 17. Pope Francis will be in the Philippines, January 15 to 19, following his trip to Sri Lanka January 12-15. (Source: UCAN)