Bacolod bishop joins global call for prayer for fire-ravaged Australia

The sky turns red from bushfires in Bemboka, in Australia’s New South Wales state on January 5, 2020. (AFP)

BACOLOD CITY–San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza has called on the faithful to pray for divine intervention to put out the fires that have been raging out of control in Australia.

“ You may pray the Rosary, offer your Holy Communion at the Eucharist, your acts of love during the day, or you may join a worldwide call to prayer,” Alminaza said.

The fires that have hit more than 6 million hectares as of Sunday have killed 24 people and more than half a billion animals, and have destroyed more than 1,500 houses.

Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon said the priests of the Diocese of Bacolod are meeting on Tuesday, to discuss their response in solidarity with the people of Australia.

On social media, netizens passed on a message, appealing to everyone to join three minutes of worldwide prayer for Australia starting 9 p.m. on Sunday.

“Visualize and ask for a ball of monsoon type rain to fall – soaking every area where rains are falling – visualize the fires being put out and all the people and animals safe – visualize the feeling of relief and smiles amongst the people as clean up begins and the air clears…. The power of worldwide prayer is huge,” the message said.

Bishop Alminaza said people should continue praying until the fire was put under control.

“We should pray also that God will protect us from our stupidity and greed. We should try to understand how we can help in rehabilitating the forest and healing the web of life hurt and destroyed by the fires and let’s make sure this does not happen here,” he said.

Also being circulated on social media was an oratio imperata (prayer for deliverance from calamities) for rain in Australia

“United as children, we come to You, pleading, shower Australia with rain, give them rain Almighty God, enough water to quench and control the raging bushfire all over their land,” it said.

“Protect the firefighters, the volunteers and all those who go out of their comfort zones to help others. Bless them and have mercy on them Lord,” it also said.