The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has called on clergy and the faithful to observe the “National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance” on Oct. 7, and to continue praying on succeeding Sundays leading up to the Feast of Christ the King on Nov. 23 as a “sustained supplication for mercy and renewal,” citing the country’s continued struggles with natural calamities and corruption.
In a letter to dioceses, CBCP president and Kalookan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David urged parishes, chapels, schools, families and church organizations to participate in the observance, which coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.
As of yesterday, some 6,000 people across four regions have been affected by Typhoon Paolo, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.
Some 4,317 people remained displaced—some taking shelter in 74 evacuation centers, while others staying outside designated facilities.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has since been lifted from all areas in the country as Severe Tropical Storm “Paolo” continued moving west-northwestward toward southern China.
Paolo will then re-intensify into a typhoon today while moving over the West Philippine Sea.
David said the prayer initiative serves as “a prayer of national confession and contrition” in light of calamities afflicting the nation.
The observance includes the recitation of a special prayer titled “A National Cry for Mercy and Renewal” beginning Tuesday and on succeeding Sundays until Nov. 23.
The prayer serves as a sustained act of supplication for mercy and renewal.
David said the nationwide prayer effort is also part of the Church’s synodal journey.
“This act of national contrition is also a step in our journey of synodality — walking together as God’s people, listening to the Spirit and to one another, in humility and hope,” he said.
The prayer highlights repentance for corruption, injustice, political patronage, and moral compromises while also seeking God’s mercy amid natural disasters.
