Philippines typhoon aftermath: Religion as solace

The storm ripped off most of the roof of Santo Nino Church. But the altar is still largely intact. Masses resumed the day after the typhoon and are now being held two or three times a day, said Father Isagani Petilos, one of the two senior pastors at the church.
  The day after the typhoon, Father Edwin Bacaltos' self-appointed task was to bless the bodies that lay scattered around his parish.   Joan Norcio, 26, says her home has been destroyed and three members of her family are still missing. She's received no food from authorities, relying on the charity of her neighbors instead. Attending Mass at Santo Nino has been "a big help" during this time, she said.   Arsenia Orioque, 74, had come to the church to pray and to take advantage of the medical services being offered there each afternoon. She seldom came to church before the storm struck, but now she says she can find peace there. "In my prayers, I give thanks that I survived the typhoon," she said.