Cebu Archdiocese releases special prayer for rain

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=876905
• Tuesday, April 19, 2016

(PNA), LAP/EB/EDS

CEBU CITY (PNA) -- The Archdiocese of Cebu has released the “Oratio Imperata for Rain,” a special prayer to counter the impending heat wave that prompted the Cebu city and provincial governments to declare a state of calamity.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the “Oratio Imperata for Rain” was made in response to the growing incidence of drought and loss of water in various areas in Cebu.

At least 44 areas in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay and Lapu-Lapu and the town of Liloan have been experiencing low pressure to no water in their taps since last week.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) said its water supply dropped by 20,000 cubic meters after two surface water sources, the Jaclopan dam in Talisay City and the Buhisan dam in Cebu City, dried up.

In a circular, Palma said the absence of rain in the past months has pushed Catholics to seek divine intervention.

“Acknowledging our need for divine intervention during this state of calamity brought about by this dry spell, I am issuing an Oratio Imperata on our need for rain,” Palma said.

Palma said that once transmitted to all parishes in Cebu, the special prayer will be recited just before the Post Communion Prayer during all masses.