Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle beams with pride at the launching on Thursday of “I am here to be with you,” the official book on the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines. The book contains photographs on the visit and a story written by Cardinal Tagle. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has issued an oratio imperata or obligatory against the El Niño phenomenon.
“Let us together storm heavens with our supplications, that God’s mercy be upon us and avert the disaster that a prolonged and intense El Niño threatens us,” he said in Circular No. 2015-42 dated September 4, 2015.
The order was addressed to all clergy, superiors of religious communities (men and women), and head of secular institutes in the Archdiocese of Manila.
Tagle issued the oratio imperata after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), forecast that the El Niño phenomenon that is hitting the country will intensify to a new record high.
“This means prolonged drought in about 46 provinces in our country causing damage to agriculture lands and critical water supply for human consumption. This impending situation brings us to the brink of helplessness, but not hopelessness, as we turn to God our Father, to turn His mercy on us and shorten the life of El Niño and bring down the rain to avert the crisis,” the Cardinal said.
He added: “In praying to Him for His compassion and benevolence, we also seek His forgiveness for our ecological sins – our neglect and abuse of the environment, our ‘throw-away’ culture, and our failures as stewards of His creation.”
The Oratio Imperata Ad Petendam Pluviam is to be prayed kneeling down after Communion before the Post Communion Prayer. They started the prayer on September 6, 2015.
Below is full text of the oratio imperata issued by Tagle: God our loving Father, Maker of all Creation, look kindly on us Your Children in this Earth You have given us as our home, as we plead You to shorten the life of El Niño now threatening our country with prolonged drought, extreme weather, and low water supply.
O merciful God forgive us our ecological sins that have contributed to this adverse phenomenon; Forgive our indifference to the groans and suffering of Mother Earth; Forgive us our wastefulness, our disregard for the value of the gifts of creation You have given us. We promise to repent for our sins by following the Gospel of Creation, and by caring for and being mindful of your Creation in all that we do.
Give us the strength and wisdom to be good stewards of your creation and to protect the environment from abuse and exploitation.
At this time of impending crisis move us, dear Lord, to share more, serve more and 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, we bring up to you through her, and grant us our petitions through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever. Amen.(MNS)