THE Archdiocese of Cebu yesterday released a “special prayer” seeking divine intervention in the dry spell that has been affecting the country for the past months.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma formulated the Oratio Imperata after various sectors earlier asked the archdiocese to help pray for the water crisis that Cebu is experiencing because of the dry spell.
In an interview yesterday, Msgr. Joseph Tan, Cebu Archdiocesan media liaison officer, told reporters that the special prayer will be read immediately after the mass in all the parishes in the archdiocese.
Tan said that the special prayer is considered a “unique prayer” because it was not only conceived by the Church but also by other sectors who sought it.
“If the faithful are one in need, I think God will not think twice in providing what is being sought,” said Tan.
Here is the full text of the Oratio Imperata:
“God our loving father, creator of our earth and of the universe, and all the wondrous elements of nature that sustain your living creatures, we humbly ask you to send us the rain that our country needs so badly at this time, to irrigate our fields, to stave off a power shortage, to provide water our parched lands. At your command the wind and the seas obey, raise your hand Almighty God to commence the normal rainy season that has now been long delayed so that crisis may be averted.
Merciful and Generous God, open our eyes to the richness and beauty of your creation and instill in us a deep love for this earth and all that is in and around it. Teach us to be wise stewards of your creation so that we may always use them responsibly and protect them from abuse and exploitation. At this time of crisis, dear Lord, move us to share more, to serve more and to love more.
Loving God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you entrusted the Filipino people to the special care of Mary our Mother, listen to the prayers that we bring up to her, our Blessed Mother, to intercede for us, for the protection of our land and our people, whom she loves.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.”
Earlier, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) sought the archdiocese’s help after the dry spell has affected some parts of Cebu, including areas that host major water sources.