Nagpalabas ng Oratio Imperata o espesyal na panalangin para sa kapayapaan sa Mindanao ang pinuno ng Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) na dadasalin sa loob ng 28-araw sa susunod na buwan.

Sa kanyang Facebook page, ibinahagi ni CBCP president at Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas ang kanyang panawagan ng panalangin sa mga kapwa obispo sa bansa kasunod na rin ng Mamasapano encounter.

Ayon kay Villegas, sa panahon ngayon na nababalot ng pagluluksa at kalituhan dahil sa nangyaring madugong engkwentro sa Maguindanao na ikinamatay ng 44 miyembro ng Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), ang pinakamalaking kontribusyon na magagawa ng Simbahan sa bansa ay ang manalangin.

“The situation of the country and the world right now calls on all of us to turn to the Lord in humble supplication and gather our people to pray. As the nation continues to grieve over the tragedy in Mamasapano and the family of nations is threatened by war and terror from extremist groups, our best contribution to the nation and to the world is to encourage people to pray,” ani Villegas.

“I respectfully propose that we the bishops of the Philippines encourage our people to pray the following Oratio Imperata for Peace,” aniya pa.

Narito ang kabuuan ng panalangin:

“Lord of Peace, we come to You in our need. Create in us an awareness of the massive forces of violence and terrorism that threaten our world today. Grant us a sense of urgency to activate the forces of goodness, of justice, of love, and of peace in our communities. Where there is armed conflict, let us stretch out our arms to our brothers and sisters. Where there is abundance and luxury, let there be simple lifestyle and sharing. Where there is poverty and misery, let there be dignified and constant striving for just structures. Where there is selfish ambition, let there be humble service. Where there is injustice, let there be humble atonement. Where there is despair, let there be hope in the Good News. Where there are wounds of divisions, let there be unity and wholeness. Where there are lies and deceit, let your Truth set all of us free. Where there are thoughts of vengeance, let there be healing and forgiveness. Help us to be committed to the Gospel of peace. In spite of our differences in faith and traditions and ethnic roots, teach us Your spirit of mercy and compassion. For it is only in loving imitation of You, Lord of Peace, that we can discover the healing springs of life that will bring about new birth to our earth, a new era of peace, and a new hamrony among all forever and ever.  Amen.”

Ang naturang panalangin ay sisimulang dasalin sa buong bansa sa Marso 1 hanggang sa Marso 28 bago ang post-communion prayer sa bawat misa.

“Hopefully this prayer can calm the anxieties of our long suffering people and touch the hearts of the enemies of peace,” ani Villegas.