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STARTING today, a new mandatory prayer seeking deliverance from natural calamities will be recited in Masses in Cebu, as directed by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.
The latest oratio imperata follows the series of tropical storms that hit Luzon - Ondoy, Pepeng, and Ramil - which caused massive flooding, destruction of crops and properties, and deaths.
In a letter to all parish priests and chaplains, Vidal said “the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines is inviting different dioceses to continue praying for deliverance of our country and people from further devastation that can be brought about by storms and other natural calamities.”
The prayer mentions global warming and specifies typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions and other natural calamities that occur in increasing number and intensity. The prayer also asks for protection from human-made and natural calamities.
Vidal also asked for prayers for the safety and peaceful release of Columban missionary Fr. Michael Sinnot, who was abducted in Mindanao.
The oratio imperata is a Catholic tradition where the bishop leads the faithful in prayer for specific intentions.
In past years, Vidal issued mandatory prayers for the peaceful conduct of the May 2004 elections, and safety against diseases such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS, bird flu virus and, early this year, against the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.
In July 2005, Vidal sought prayers for healing from political conflicts, tribal wars and unjust socio-economic divisions. A prayer for "a culture of unity" for the Eucharistic and Marian Year was also issued.
In 2006, a special prayer for peace in the Middle East was issued for the “deteriorating peace situation.”
Vidal also issued an oratio imperata to avert threats to security and pray for the success of a meeting of world leaders in Cebu for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in January 2007.Ma. Bernadette A. Parco
