Manila Archdiocese calls for prayer amid political turmoil

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called Filipinos to turn to prayer amid political tensions and conflicts in the country.

"We have witnessed emotionally intense events and discourses in the nation's political spectrum. We have heard different opinions and viewpoints on various platforms. Our country is in a time of crisis, conflict , and confusion," said Cardinal Advincula in a circular addressed to priests and consecrated persons.

"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," he also said.

The prelate called for all parishes and communities to recite the "Oratio Imperata for the Nation" daily after the Post-Communion Prayer in all Masses starting the Third Sunday of Lent on March 22 (for the anticipated Mass) and on Sunday, March 23.

“We implore the aid of Almighty God, as a Filipino people, ‘that our love for our country may triumph over all 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.’"

Cardinal Advincula said that turning 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… We humble ourselves and pray, in the hope that God will hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our broken land.”

“Let us turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her guidance and protection and seek her prayerful intercession and maternal embrace for our nation, her pueblo amante de Maria,” he added.

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 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 to 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 over all 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, from division to unity, from despair to hope, from selfishness to love.

May this time of renewal enable us to discover again our greatness as a nation and our dignity as a people so dear to your heart.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Paschal Lamb, who leads us through the Cross from death to new life. Amen.

Our Lady of Peace, pray for us

St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

ORATIO IMPERATA PARA SA BAYAN

Amang Makapangyarihan,

inakay Mo ang lyong bayan galing sa Ehipto, mula sa pagkaalipin tungo sa kalayaan.

Sa pamamagitan ng yong Anak na si Hesus, inakay mo kami mula kamatayan tungo sa buhay

sa kanyang Misteryo Paskwal at kaloob na Espiritu Santo.

Nagpapakumbaba kaming lumalapit sa Iyo, nagtitiwala sa lyong pangakong hilumin ang aming bayan.

Iunat Mong muli ang lyong makapangyarihang kamay at akayin kami sa panahong ito ng krisis, alitan, at pagkalito.

Magningning nawa ang katotohanan, tulad ng haliging ulap sa araw at haliging apoy sa gabi, upang tanglawan kami sa landas tungo sa pagkakaisa at kapayapaan.

Umagos nawa ang katarungan, tulad ng tubig na bumukal mula sa bato, upang pawiin ang uhaw ng mga naghahangad ng hustisya, linisin ang mga sugat, at buksan ang daan tungo sa paghilom at pagkakasundo.

Pinakain Mo sila ng mana sa ilang, busugin Mo ang aming pagkagutom sa katarungan, upang hindi na kami magnasa ng kapangyarihan, kayamanan, at pansariling pakinabang.

Palambutin mo ang pusong matitigas tulad ng sa Paraon, at buksan ang mga matang binulag ng kasakiman, upang manaig ang tunay na pagmamahal sa bayan higit sa anumang alyansang pampulitika o pansariling interes.

Turuan Mo kaming makita ang isa' t isa, hindi bilang kakampi o kaaway, kundi bilang magkakapatid sa Iyo.

Nawa ang Taon ng Hubileyo ay magtulak sa amin upang maglakbay bilang isang bayan.

Ito nawa ang aming maging Paskwa, ang aming pagtawid: mula sa kasinungalingan tungo sa katotohanan, mula sa karuwagan tungo sa katapangan, mula sa kawalan ng katarungan tungo sa katuwiran, mula sa pagkakawatak-watak tungo sa pagkakaisa, mula sa panghihina ng loob tungo sa pag-asa, mula sa pagiging makasarili tungo sa tunay na pag-ibig.

Sa panahong ito ng pananariwa, matuklasan nawa naming muli ang aming kadakilaan bilang isang bansa at ang aming dangal bilang isang bayang inibig Mo nang lubos.

Hinihiling namin ito sa pangalan ni Hesus, ang aming Korderong inialay, na gumagabay sa amin sa pamamagitan ng Krus mula sa kamatayan tungo sa bagong buhay. Amen.

Mahal na Birhen ng Kapayapaan, ipanalangin mo kami.

San Miguel, Arkanghel, ipanalangin mo

— BAP, GMA Integrated News