FILE

In response to the scorching temperatures plaguing the country, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Liturgy has released an "Oratio Imperata" — a special prayer for rain.

The prayer, titled "Oratio Imperata Ad Petendam Pluviam," appeals to God for relief from the blistering heat that is disrupting daily life and threatening the well-being of the Filipino people.

The prayer acknowledges God as the loving Creator of the earth and implores Him to send rain to replenish dwindling water sources, irrigate fields, prevent water and power shortages, and provide for the daily needs of the populace. It calls upon God's power to control the elements and asks for a reprieve from the relentless rise in temperatures, enabling people to carry out their activities and pursue education without hindrance.

Moreover, the prayer urges for a deeper appreciation of God's creation and a commitment to responsible stewardship, emphasizing the importance of sharing, serving, and loving one another during this time of crisis. It invokes the intercession of Mary, the Blessed Mother, and several Filipino saints for the protection of the land and its people.

As the country grapples with the adverse effects of extreme weather, the CBCP's issuance of this special prayer underscores the importance of faith and collective supplication in times of environmental challenges.