Today is day of prayer, fasting to end pandemic

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged the faithful to join today’s ecumenical day of prayer and fasting in response to Pope Francis’ call for all religious leaders to pray for the end of the coronavirus crisis.

Bishop Broderick Pabillo called on Catholics to also mark the day of prayer with acts of charity. The Catholic Church in the Philippines has meanwhile turned to Mary, the mother of Jesus, for protection amid the pandemic.

CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles consecrated the nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Wednesday, the 103rd anniversary of Our Lady’s apparition in Fatima, Portugal.

—Tina G. Santos