Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has directed parish priests and heads of chaplaincies in the archdiocese to recite a new “oratio imperata,†or mandated prayer, for good weather.
He also reminded the people to do their share in environmental conservation and protection.
In a circular dated Feb. 1, 2011, Palma said the prayer that should be recited in all masses was formulated following the unprecedented flash floods that hit the cities of Mandaue and Cebu last Jan. 25.
“This is a wakeup call for all of us and (that) has compelled us to undertake emergency preparedness measures in dealing with natural calamities if they happen again. More importantly, we cannot do these alone without the help of our Almighty Father,†he said.
“Like the disciples who called upon our Lord Jesus to calm the wind and the waves as they were crossing Lake Galilee, we now seek the help of our Beloved Sto. Niño, protector of Cebu, to spare us from further damage wrought by calamities,†he said.
The special prayer was formulated by Archdiocesan Commission on Worship chairman Msgr. Cristobal Garcia and approved by the Archbishop of Cebu. It was signed by Vice Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran Jr. and disseminated to parishes and chaplaincies.
In the same letter, the 60-year-old prelate also sought the intercession of the patroness of Cebu, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and Blessed Pedro Calungsod.
“May we do our share to be responsible and faithful stewards of Mother Nature,†he said.
The prayer, in part, says, “Give us the fine weather we pray, so that we may rejoice in your gifts of kindness and use them always for your glory and good.â€
The prayer for fine weather is Palma’s first oratio imperata since his installation last month. (PNA)
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