Cebu Archdiocese releases ‘Oratio Imperata’ for rain

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=12&rid=769330
• Friday, June 5, 2015

(PNA), FPV/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY, June 5 (PNA) -- The Cebu Archdiocese has released an “Oratio Imperata” or a special prayer for rain as the province reels from a dry spell brought about by the prolonged mild El Niño phenomenon.

Earlier, the Cebu Provincial Board placed the entire province under a state of calamity as towns and cities reported lack of water supply and parched farmlands.

Cebu Archdiocesan spokesperson Monsignor Joseph Tan said the communal prayer is regarded as “unique” and was brought forth by the constant requests of various sectors in the community.

“This is one prayer that was requested. I think the Church cannot refuse that since it is a request from the majority. The Church, being the Mother of the multitude, we will have to provide the prayer that is needed,” Tan said.

The obligatory prayer, affirmed by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, is an adaptation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ communal prayers dated August 2007 and February 2010.

Tan said their initial plan was to publish the prayer in a weekly newsletter of the Archdiocese of Cebu, “Ang Bag-ong Lungsoranon” (The New Citizen).

But he said some religious members suggested providing copies of the prayer in the Archbishop Palace where local parishes can get a copy.

Tan said that once the local parishes could take hold of the copy, they can apply it right away.

“As soon as possible, they can apply the prayer and more will hear this on Sunday when many people go to church,” he said.

He said communal prayer asking for rain will have to be recited until such time the request is granted.