Filipinos offer prayers for the dead online

The website, http://undasonline.com/, is aimed mainly at the millions of overseas Filipinos who cannot visit the graves of their departed relatives on November 1, a widespread tradition in this largely-Catholic nation.

"For those who cannot make it to your parishes, especially Filipinos in other countries or the seafarers, you may request for masses to be celebrated for your beloved dead," the website said.

From November 1 to 8, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said it will offer masses for those people who request such prayers through posts on the website.

The website also offers various prayers the faithful can say for the deceased as well as information on the practice of praying for the dead and visiting their resting places.

Over 80 percent of the Philippines' 94.9 million people are Catholics and observe All-Saint's Day on November 1 with visits to the cemetery to offer prayers for the dead.

However, due to a shortage of high-paying jobs at home, about a tenth of the Philippine population now work abroad, as labourers, domestic helpers and merchant seamen.