Tagle issues 'oratio imperata' for incoming gov’t officials

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle on Saturday evening issued an oratio imperata, or obligatory prayer, for the newly elected officials whose terms begin on June 30.

Tagle said the released special prayer will be said during Masses in the Manila archdiocese. It will be recited nine days before the country changes leadership.

The circular including the prayer was sent to the archdiocese’s priests and chaplains, and to superiors of religious communities and Catholic schools. Chancellor of the Manila archdiocese Reginal Malicdem said the oratio imperata “is to be prayed at the prayer of the faithful of all masses” from June 21 to 29.

Malicdem explained that the call to prayer is in accordance with a proposal by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. 

Below is the copy of the special prayer in English and Filipino languages: