
Mati Bishop Abel Apigo has called on parishes under his jurisdiction to launch a prayer vigil for world peace particularly for the restoration of peace in Ukraine.
“It is highly encouraged that you organize prayer vigils or holy hours for the intentions of Ukraine and for world peace,” said Bishop Apigo over Radio Veritas as the Church joins Pope Francis on Friday, March 25 as he consecrates to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Russia and Ukraine.
The event coincides with the Solemnity of the Annunciation.
In a circular, Bishop Apigo called on the clergy in his diocese to celebrate a holy mass on March 25 in observance of the Solemnity of the Annunciation and to pray the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in place of the Oratio Imperata.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has distributed copies of the Act of Consecration from the Vatican which had been translated to Filipino and Cebuano.
Bishop Apigo urged the faithful “to continue to pray for world peace particularly for the restoration of peace in Ukraine.”
“Let us continue to pray for peace in Ukraine and for the whole world. We believe that through the intercession of the Blessed Mother peace will be attained,” the Church leader stressed.
The Holy Father will lead the Penance and Act Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25 at 5 p.m. at the St. Peter’s Square to pray for Russia and Ukraine.
In the country, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown will lead the consecration with Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila at 6 p.m.