Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas has declared July 16 to August 5, 2020, as "Days of Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary with prayer for national healing" in his archdiocese.
In a statement on July 13, Villegas said people should turn to prayer amid the clouds of "helplessness and discouragement."
"The anxiety caused by the current pandemic and the socio-political turmoil born from various social issues render us not knowing what to do, how to serve as spiritual leaders and how to be disciples with the disciples of the Lord in crisis," he said.
"We turn to prayer. We turn to the Mother of God. We are never helpless if we cling to the Virgin Mother," added Villegas.
The prelate said people must repent and be consecrated in order to be healed.
"We are in state of rebellion against God and we are seeing the consequences of our sin. We must repent. We must be consecrated again if we wish to be healed," said Villegas.
He instructed his priests to recite the Act of Consecration and Prayer for National Healing in all Masses on the said days after the Post Communion prayer, kneeling while facing the altar.
Villegas said families must also be encouraged to pray the Act of Consecration at home after the family rosary and even repeatedly during the day.
He also asked the faithful to join the August 5 Mass in honor of the Virgin Mary at the Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag via livestreaming.
Villegas explained that due to the limitations set by the coronavirus pandemic, only a few people will be allowed inside the basilica such as the religious priests and sisters.
"Let us not give in to discouragement and depression. Let us go to our Lady. Let us take comfort in the message of Our Lady to San Juan Diego: Trust in me. I am your Mother," he said.