President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday joined the nation in praying for the country to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a pre-recorded speech during a virtual interfaith prayer meeting, Duterte sought divine guidance as the country struggles with the health crisis that has so far claimed the lives of over 20,000 Filipinos.
“The present COVID-19 pandemic has truly been a difficult and challenging time for all of us. In this time of trial, it is only right that we look to the Lord Almighty to guide us not only towards the path of righteousness but also to full recovery,” he said.
“To the Lord Almighty, we humbly seek your grace and blessing. Please heal our land from the illness caused by COVID-19 and you are our only hope and strength amidst these trying times.”
He also prayed that the Lord would bless front-liners in the fight against Covid-19.
“Bless our medical front-liners and our health workers, bless our essential workers. Bless the workers in government and in the private sector who are helping our people to cope with this crisis. We are placing our future into your hands. We trust in you,” the President added.
Earlier, Pope Francis dedicated the whole month of May to a prayer marathon for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization said 30 of the world's Catholic shrines will take turns leading a daily live-streamed rosary at 12 p.m. Eastern time.
The Catholic Church dedicates the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis said, “has demanded enormous sacrifices from each nation and its citizens.”
“The pandemic has made no distinctions and has hit people of all cultures, creeds, social and economic strata,” the Pope said as he emphasized the importance of considering anti-COVID vaccination as a “universal common good.”