AS the country suffers from the intense summer heat, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is proposing an Oratio Imperata for rain to be said in various dioceses in the country.

“The suggestion is due to the prolonged drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon that has ravaged many parts of our country, particularly in Mindanao,” said Rev. Fr. Marvin Mejia, CBCP secretary general in his letter to bishops and archbishops.

“This is being offered to you for your consideration for only the Local Ordinaries can mandate such. CBCP just proposes,” Mejia added in his letter.

The draft prayer is written in English and in Cebuano.

Oratio Imperata is defined under Catholic dictionary as an ordered prayer for a special intention, besides the ones prescribed by ritual, that the Pope or the bishop of a diocese may require to be said at Mass, like for peace.

A part of the prayer reads: “El Niño continues to threaten our relationship with one another. O Lord, this is a very hostile phenomenon that we beg for You to end,” it added. Recently, the Kidapawan clashes between farmers and the police left three protesters dead and close to 200 injured. Farmers in the area asked for rice after being affected by El Niño.

“Grant us wisdom to restore whatever we have destroyed,” it added.

It ended with a beg to God, “Please, let it rain”. (Tita Roces)

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