Manila archbishop calls for prayers for PH amid political tensions
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called on Friday, March 21, 2025, for Catholic churches and the community to pray for the nation amid political tensions brought about by the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. (ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS FB PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Friday called on the Catholic churches and communities to pray for the nation amid political wrangling over the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Advincula requested Catholic churches and the faithful to pray the Oratio Imperata for the Nation after the Post-Communion Prayer in all masses daily starting this weekend, the Third Sunday of Lent (March 22 and 23, 2025).
Advincula said people have witnessed the “emotionally intense events and discourses in the nation’s political spectrum,” bringing the country into “crisis, conflict, and confusion.”
“During this turning point in our nation’s history, our faith invites us to transcend our differences and be open to continuous conversion towards truth, justice, and peace, i.e. the values of the Kingdom of God, which every person aspires for,” the archbishop said in a circular.
READ: Duterte’s arrest upholds God’s gift of human dignity – religious group
“Let us turn to prayer, which is the most fundamental act in our desire for peace, justice, and unity. How lovely are those knees that fall, those hearts that open, and those hands that join in prayer (cf. Isaiah 52:7),” he added.
Advincula released the circular amid the heated discourse on the arrest of the former president.
Duterte was arrested by authorities last March 11 based on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity he allegedly committed under his administration’s anti-narcotics campaign that left thousands dead.
The former president is currently under the custody of the ICC in The Hague, the Netherlands.
READ: Duterte’s ICC arrest: Separating fact from lies
His arrest has sparked debates and controversy among his supporters, critics, and human rights defenders. Several rallies were held to call for his return while other groups lauded the international tribunal for his arrest.
Oratio Imperata for the Nation
Heavenly Father,
you led your people out of Egypt
from slavery to freedom.
In Jesus, your beloved Son,
You led us from death to life
through his Paschal Mystery,
And by the gift of the Holy Spirit.
We humble ourselves before you today,
trusting in your promise to heal our land.
Stretch forth your mighty hand once again
and lead our nation,
in this time of crisis, conflict, and confusion.
Let the light of truth shine
like a pillar of cloud day by day
and a pillar of fire by night,
to guide us along the path
that leads to unity and peace.
Make justice gush forth
like water from the rock
quenching the thirst of victims,
cleansing wounds,
and opening the way of healing and reconciliation.
As You fed Your people with manna in the wilderness,
satisfy our hunger for righteousness,
that we may cease to crave for power, wealth, and selfish gain.
Soften hearts hardened like Pharaoh’s,
and open eyes blinded by greed,
that our love for our country may triumph
overall political loyalties and personal interests
and we may learn to see each other,
not as allies or enemies
but as we truly are — brothers and sisters all.
May this Jubilee Year inspire us
to journey together as one people.
Let this be our Passover
from lies to truth,
from cowardice to courage,
from injustice to righteousness.
