CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has already issued an Oratio Imperata against dengue to be recited at every Mass in all parishes, chaplaincies and formation houses in the Archdiocese of Cebu.
The special prayer was approved by Vidal last September 8 or the day of the Feast of Nativity of Mary.
The prayer is as follows:
“Lord our God, give to your people the protection of the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe of Cebu and of San Roque, who always helped the sick, so that we may be delivered from this present threat of Dengue which has taken the lives of many of our brothers and sisters.
On our part we will take care to keep our surroundings clean, be more responsible fore the environment, and always be helpful towards those who are in need of our help.Blessed are you Lord, forever and ever.Amen.
Sr. Santo Niño of Cebu - Have mercy on us, Our Lady of Guadalupe of Cebu - Pray for us, Sr. San Roque - Pray for us.”
Aside from this Oratio Imperata, Vidal encourages parishes, mandated organizations, covenanted communities and schools to make pilgrimages to the Diocesan Shrine of San Roque.
The Cebu Archdiocese cardinal also extends the plenary indulgence to any day a pilgrimage is made as a group for the intention of the cessation of the Dengue outbreak.
Vidal said he is already alarmed by the current situation brought about by dengue.
Vidal also told the public to learn the basics about how the disease can be prevented and to coordinate with the government and other agencies in its efforts to curb the problem.(THE FREEMAN)