The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has released a circular directing dioceses nationwide to observe a national period of prayer and repentance following a series of natural calamities.
In Circular No. 25-14, released on Saturday, October 11, CBCP president and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David instructed churches to observe the National Call to Prayer and Public Repentance.
‘Let us reiterate our recently released National Call to Prayer and Public Repentance, asking our people to observe it every Sunday – and where possible, every day – until the Solemnity of Christ the King, with the tolling of bells,’ said David in the letter.
The CBCP encouraged Catholics to wear white every Sunday of October and November and to display white ribbons in homes, churches and public spaces.
According to the circular, the observance was first proposed by Digos, Davao del Sur Bishop Jimmy Afable. It symbolizes transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The directive came out following the series of typhoons and earthquakes across the country, the latest of which was the 7.4 and 6.9 magnitude earthquakes in Davao Oriental that happened hours apart on Friday, October 10.