MANILA, Philippines–The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has declared Saturday a National Day of Prayer.
“On Nov. 8, 2014, the Filipino nation will commemorate the anniversary of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ that has ravaged the country’s Central Visayas region. Thus, we declare Nov. 8 this year as a National Day of Prayer, especially for the victims and survivors of the typhoon,” Archbishop Socrates Villegas, the CBCP president, said in a circular issued Nov. 4.
Villegas also invited his fellow prelates and apostolic administrators to a nationwide simultaneous ringing of church bells at 6 p.m. on Saturday, which will be followed by the CBCP’s commemorative prayer, which reads:
“Most loving Father,
“One year ago, the fury of Super Typhoon Yolanda made us experience darkness and the pain of losing everything; it made us understand the meaning of despair.
“But in the midst of all these, You never have forsaken us.
“In the most special way, You gifted us courage and strength to rise again.
“In the most loving way, You shielded us with mercy and compassion.
“And you accomplished miracles through those who came to our aid.
“And as we remember that day today, we thank You for the gift of faith, hope and love.
“We thank You for bringing us closer to You.
“We thank You for letting us live another day.
“Spare our nation from the wrath of nature, as we find ways to care for Your creation…”
Villegas also encouraged prelatures, diocese, schools and organizations to conduct their own activities to mark the event.–Tina G. Santos