Cardinal Jose Advincula, archbishop of Manila, has instructed churches in the entire archdiocese to mandate the praying of Oratio Imperata, or an obligatory prayer for the ‘cleansing and healing of our nation’ amid the corruption in the country.
In a pastoral letter on Thursday, Advincula once again described corruption as a ‘profound moral and spiritual crisis’ and not merely a political or economic problem. However, he also acknowledged the ‘growing awareness’ against corruption, where many people courageously stand up and take their fight to the streets.
He previously emphasized that organized rallies denouncing corruption are not just ‘pockets of political resistance’ but a reflection of the people’s moral conviction and their right to suppress the evil.
‘Dear brothers and sisters, let us stand united in prayer and action so that truth, integrity, and justice may prevail over dishonesty, corruption, and self-interest,’ Advincula said.
With this, he mandates the praying of Oratio Imperata for Integrity, Truth, and Justice in all parishes in the archdiocese.
Advincula said that this prayer will replace the Prayer for the Faithful during the celebration of Holy Mass, which is considered a ‘rare practice reserved only for the gravest of circumstances-as a clear expression of the urgency and seriousness of our situation.’
Aside from this, he ordered the ringing of all bells in churches every 8 p.m. ‘as a prophetic cry of indignation and outrage against the evil of corruption, as well as a resounding call to contrition and conversion.’
He noted that the instructions must be performed starting Saturday, October 4, which also coincides with the Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Several congressional hearings have been launched to investigate the anomalies in flood control projects in the country. These revealed allegations of lawmakers and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways getting kickbacks and congressional insertions in the national budget, among others.