Seeking solace after a storm

Shelter from the storm: Residents attending a dawn mass without electricity at a church in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte province, days after super Typhoon Rai passed over the city. — AFP

Standing at the pulpit of his typhoon-ravaged church in the southern Philippines, Catholic priest Dennis Llogon delivers a sermon by candlelight to the faithful seeking solace after a deadly storm devastated their city.

Hundreds of devotees flocked to the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral for the pre-dawn service on Saturday as part of the traditional Christmas season celebrations –but there was little rejoicing.