Tagle issues Oratio Imperata amid rise in dengue, leptospirosis cases

Cardinal Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. INQUIRER.NET PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle issued an “oratio imperata” or mandatory prayer for those inflicted by either the dengue fever or leptospirosis.

In a circular released on Thursday and signed by Chancellor Fr. Reginald Malicdem, it ordered all parish priests, rectors, chaplains and superiors of religious communities in the archdiocese of Manila to “pray for the healing of those who are sick and for the protection of everyone from these and other illness.”

The “oratio imperata,” released in English and Filipino translations, is to be prayed after the Post-Communion at all Masses in the Archdiocese of Manila while kneeling starting Sept. 1, the order further read.

The Department of Health (DOH) previously declared a national dengue epidemic amid the rising number of cases caused by the mosquito-borne disease

READ: DOH declares national dengue epidemic

The DOH revealed that 208,917 cases and 882 deaths have been recorded from Jan. 1 to Aug. 10 of this year.

READ: DOH: Dengue cases now more than 200,000 with over 800 deaths

Meanwhile, the health department also recorded 1,070 cases and 120 death from leptospirosis from Jan. 1 to Aug. 10.

Below is the English translation of the “Oratio Imperata:”

Almighty and loving Father,
we thank you for the life that is your gift,
for the providence that sustains us,
and for your wisdom that directs the course of our days.

Forgive our sins against your love,
against each other, and against your creation.
Make us responsible stewards of your creation.

The plague of dengue fever and leptospirosis are upon us today.

These diseases have caused much suffering
and have claimed many lives.

We humbly beg You, loving Father,
to deliver us from these and other diseases.
Heal those who are afflicted.

Strengthen us in charity to care for each other.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.

Our Lady, Health of the Sick, pray for us.
St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us.
San Roque, pray for us.
San Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.
San Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.