The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines - Episcopal Commission on Liturgy on Friday, May 3, issued a prayer to appeal for rain amidst extreme heat affecting the country for months.
In a released "Oratio Imperata Ad Petendan Pluviam" which means Obligatory Prayer to Request for Rain, the church leaders asked for relief from the scorching temperatures that have been disrupting daily activities and posing threats to the lives and livelihoods of people.
“Creator of our earth and the universe and of all the wondrous elements of nature that sustain your living creatures, send us rain to replenish our depleting water sources, to irrigate our fields, to stave off water and power shortages, and to provide water for our daily needs,” the plea read.
The Church stressed that the continuing rise in temperatures has caused people to be unable to engage in productive undertakings and young people to pursue learning in tranquility and comfort.
This was shown in numerous in-person suspensions of classes in several regions of the country because of intense heat.
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CBCP also called for people to become wise stewards of creation, to always use them responsibly, and to protect them from “abuse” and “exploitation”.
“At this time of crisis, dear Lord, move us to share more, to serve more, and to love more,” it added.