FILE PHOTO: Facade of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)in Intramuros, Manila City. INQUIRER/RUDY ESPERAS
MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has endorsed a prayer for the upcoming elections to be recited in all Sunday Masses.
The CBCP said the prayer to be recited is the “Prayer for 2022 Elections” which was requested by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
CBCP president Archbishop Romulo Valles said the prayer will be launched on Nov. 28, the first Sunday of Advent, according to a circular released on Thursday and later posted on the CBCP website.
“The prayer is similar to the Oratio Imperata but its focus is on the 16 values enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution,” Valles said in the circular.
The prayer for the 2022 elections is to be recited every first and third Sunday of the month while the prayer for the Synod on Synodality will be every second and fourth Sunday of the month, according to the CBCP.
“It is suggested that it be said after the post-Communion Prayer of the Mass,” Valles said.
Here is the Prayer for the 2022 elections that was approved by the CBCP’s Permanent Council:
Leader: Let us pray that the forthcoming national and local elections may truly reflect
the will of the Lord who guides the destinies of nations.
For every petition, let us pray together:
Response: Deliver us, Lord.
From coercion, intimidation, violence, and terrorism …
From dishonesty, lies, and all distortion of truth…
From bribery, graft, and all conspiracy for fraud…
From gullibility to the deceptive and blindness of perspective…
From threats, intimidation, and perverse language…
Leader: Let us pray together:
Response: Hear us, Lord
That conscience may always be our ultimate norm …
That the common good may always be our highest goal …
That human dignity may be respected all the time …
That the poor and the weak may always have the priority …
That care for creation may never be ignored …
That solidarity may guide the path of peace and development …
That genuine fear of God and love of neighbors may guide those who seek
public office …
Leader: Let us pray.
Altogether: Shepherd of souls and Savior of the nations, politics is your gift to us, a call to serve others and grow in holiness. Guide our politics as you guide our lives. May our political engagement for voters and candidates bring glory to your loving name and help us grow in holiness, forever and ever. Amen.
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