28-DAY PRAYER

NOTING uneasy peace in southern Philippines and in other parts of the world, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of the Lingayen Dagupan archdiocese has enjoined all priests in the archdiocese to lead in praying the Oratio Imperata for Peace from March 1 to 28 as a post-communion prayer in all churches and chapels of the archdiocese.

In his circular 2015-15 dated Feb. 23, 2015 Archbishop Villegas, who is also president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said the situation in the country and the world right now calls on all “to turn to the Lord in humble supplication and gather our people to pray”.

Noting that the nation continues to grieve over the tragedy in Mamapasano, and the family of nations is threatened by war from extremist groups, Archbishop Villegas said “our best contribution to the nation and to the world is to encourage people to pray”.

Posted in the website of the archdiocese, Archbishop Villegas’ circular quoted Chronicles 7:14 which states: ” If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and see my face and turn from their wicked ways, their will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land”.

The  prayer Oratio Imperata for Peace, consisting of nine stanzas, shall be prayed from March 1 to March 28, 2015 before the post communion prayer in every Mass.

“Hopefully, this prayer (referring to the Orario Imperata for Peace) can calm the anxieties of our long suffering people and touch the hearts of the enemies of peace,” the circular continues.

Archbishop Villegas said: ” I trust that the obligatory prayer for peace will be diligently prayed as instructed.” (Leonardo Micua/Tita Roces)

 

ORATIO IMPERATA FOR PEACE

By Archbishop Socrates Villegas

Lingayen-Dagupan Archdiocese

 

Lord of Peace, we come to You in our need

Create in us an awareness

of the massive forces of violence and terrorism

that threaten our world today.

 

Grant us a sense of urgency

to activate the forces of goodness, of justice,

of love and of peace in our communities.

 

Where there is armed conflict,

let us stretch out our arms to our

brothers and sisters.

 

Where there is abundance and luxury,

let there be simple lifestyle and sharing.

 

Where there is poverty and misery,

let there be dignified living and constant striving for just structures.

 

Where there is selfish ambition, let there be humble service.

Where there is injustice, let there be humble atonement.

Where there is despair, let there be hope in the Good News.

Where there are wounds of division, let there be unity and wholeness.

Where there are lies and deceit, let your Truth set us all of us free.

Where there are thoughts of vengeance, let there be healing and forgiveness.

 

Help us to be committed to the Gospel of peace.

In spite of our differences in faith traditions and ethnic roots,

Teach us Your spirit of mercy and compassion.

 

For it is only in loving imitation of you, Lord of Peace,

that we can discover the healing springs of life

that will bring about new birth to our earth

a new era of peace

and a new harmony among all

Forever and ever. Amen.

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