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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CBCP urges faithful to wear white as sign of repentance, renewal amid calamities

CBCP urges faithful to wear white as sign of repentance, renewal amid calamities

Published Oct 11, 2025 04:28 pm
(PHOTO: AOC)
(PHOTO: AOC)
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged the faithful to wear white clothes and display white ribbons as a symbol of repentance, transparency, and hope for the country amid the series of calamities battering the Philippines.
In a circular issued on Saturday, Oct. 11, CBCP president and Caloocan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David said the nation has been struck by calamities one after another, including typhoons, volcanic eruptions, fires, and earthquakes, as he called on Filipinos to seek God’s mercy.
He reiterated the bishops’ National Call to Prayer and Public Repentance, encouraging Catholics to observe it every Sunday, until the Solemnity of Christ the King, accompanied by the tolling of church bells.
“Let us reiterate our invitation for our people to turn again to God with humble and contrite hearts. 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,” the circular read.
Following the suggestion of Bishop Jimmy Afable, David said the faithful are encouraged to wear white every Sunday of October and November and to display white ribbons in homes, churches, and public places.
“Following the beautiful suggestion of Bishop Jimmy Afable, we encourage our faithful:
– to wear white clothes every Sunday of October and November,
– and to display white ribbons in homes, churches, and public places – as a sign of our desire for transparency, accountability, and good governance, and as a humble prayer that our nation may be washed clean and renewed in God’s mercy, and spared of further calamities.”
He said wearing white symbolizes the country’s desire for purity, renewal, and good governance.
“Let our white garments be a symbol of the purity we seek for our land and our hearts. May this season of prayer and repentance lead us to hope, healing, and the restoration of our common life in truth and justice,” he stated.
The prelate said the initiative is part of the CBCP’s collective appeal for national repentance and moral renewal.
“Let it be our collective Miserere, our plea for mercy and renewal as a nation.”
He also cited Psalm 51:9, 12 as the guiding prayer for the faithful during this period of reflection and repentance.
“Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a steadfast spirit within me.”

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