AFP spiritual warriors to pray for Pope Francis’ safety

A military priest blesses Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. and other top military officials on Sunday, January 11, during the inspection of troops to be deployed for the papal visit. PHOTO FROM AFP

MANILA, Philippines–Aside from providing security for Pope Francis, the Armed Forces of the Philippines will also provide spiritual support for a safe and successful papal visit by launching its “prayer warriors.”

The prayer warriors of the multifaith Chaplain Service of the military will serve continuous prayer activities to seek divine assistance during the visit of Pope Francis.

“AFP chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. issued the directive to the AFP Chaplain Service to dedicate prayers for Pope Francis,” military spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla said.

The prayer warriors will dedicate a “holy hour” starting 7 p.m. on Thursday until Sunday at all camps nationwide.

“This is a guidance to all chaplains nationwide. At the same time, we also encourage all non-Catholic chaplains to offer prayers within their faith for the safety of the pope and the attending public,” Major Harley Flores, administrative officer of the AFP Chaplain Service, said.

He also urged the Catholic members of the military to pray for the 17,000 deployed soldiers and reservists who will provide security for the pope.

Last October, during the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, Catapang also directed the military chaplains to dedicate their daily rosary prayers for the success of the papal visit.

There are about 91,000 Catholics in the 125,000-strong military organization.  There are 67 Catholic chaplains and 20  non-Catholic chaplains composed of Protestants and Muslims.

RELATED STORIES

Pope Francis PH visit AFP’s biggest security deployment yet 

Securing Pope Francis a big challenge