"Oratio Imperata" for government officials
There is so much to pray for, day in and day out. Soon, June will come to an end. What happens next to our country remains a serious concern, especially for the rest of the 60 percent who voted for other Presidential candidates in the past election.
It is a wait and see period. It is also a fitting time for genuine faith to hold on to God's promise for better plans for us all. Better to trust God than to trust mortals. What tomorrow may bring is unclear to us all but what is clear and definite is that God will be there with us just as He is with us here now and just as He was with us through the years.
We join Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila who has issued an "oratio imperata" for government officials to be prayed and recited during the prayer of the faithful during mass for nine days before the assumption into office of the country's newly elected leaders, from June 21 to 29.
Oratio Imperata (Latin, "Obligatory Prayer") is a set of Roman Catholic invocative prayers consisting of a liturgical action and a short, general prayer which the local ordinary or prelate of the church may publicly pray when a grave need or calamity occurs. Oratio imperata has been issued in the past, for example, for El Niño.
We hope all believers beyond the Archdiocese of Manila will join in invoking this prayer for government officials. May the good Lord also listen to our prayer and bless and truly heal our land.
Here is the text of the oratio imperata for all of you interested to pray this together with all other Filipino believers.
"The Apostle Paul urges us that prayers and supplications be offered for all peoples especially who are in positions of authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives, godly and dignified in every way.
Let us say together: Loving God, bless and protect the Philippines.
Jesus said: "If I, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash another's feet" (Jn 13:14). Pope Francis said, "Politics is one of the highest forms of charity." Bless our leaders with true love for the poor and godly humility.
"Loving God, bless and protect the Philippines.
St. Paul taught us that "love does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in truth" (1 Cor 13:6). Pope Benedict XVI said, "Without truth, love can become an empty shell." Bless our leaders with a passion for truth that liberates and integrity that inspires.
Loving God, bless and protect the Philippines.
Jesus said, "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (Jn 13:34-35). Pope Francis taught is that "The lack of brotherhood is the root cause of poverty." Bless our leaders with sincere generosity and courageous simplicity of lifestyle.
"Loving God, bless and protect the Philippines.
Jesus said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant" (Mt 20:25-27). Pope Francis said, "A life of entitlement is the breeding ground of social corruption." Bless our leaders with the spirit of heroic sacrifice and unyielding fortitude.
"Loving God, bless and protect the Philippines.
Jesus said, "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly" (Jn 10:10). Saint John Paul II said, "Every person is called to share in the very life of God." Bless our leaders with true reverence for human life and unyielding opposition to the culture of death.
"Loving God, bless and protect the Philippines.
Let us pray: Loving God, look with favor on those who rule with authority over us. Through your loving hands, may prosperity and progress be achieved, may peace and harmony be assured, may freedom and justice be preserved and may this nation be healed and protected from harm through Christ, your Son who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
"San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Pedro Calungsod, and all holy Filipinos,
"Pray for us."
"Amen!"
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