An Oratio Imperata is a mandated prayer for a special intention. It is aside from other prayers that are prescribed by rituals. Only the pope or a bishop can order an Oratio Imperata to be said during a Mass.
Most Oratio Imperata are ordered to seek divine intervention, especially during times of great calamity. In face of escalating incidences of dengue fever in the country, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said he is likely to issue an order for the special prayer soon.
Dengue is way past the knocking-on-the-door stage. It is even way past the foot-through-the-door phase. It is already in the house, seated at the dinner table, demanding to be attended to.
Thus, a great sense of urgency has to be introduced into all efforts to address this problem. Many initiatives have already been started. What remains now is for divine intervention to complement the efforts.
Of course there are those who do not care whether the order for an Oratio Imperata is given or not. The value of prayer, after all, depends on the strength of faith among individuals. "To those who believe ..." Remember?
But prayer, regardless of the strength of one's faith, always has a reassuring effect. And this can go a long way in times of great adversity, such as a dengue outbreak, when people learn to trust their leaders and accept authority with a good deal of common sense.
At this time, there is a real need for people to take heed of all official advices coming from our leaders. We need to cooperate for the general good. And prayer, sincerely accepted, has a way to condition us toward that direction.
If prayer works, that is already a bonus. That is why the Oratio Imperata needs to be given promptly. It could be the miracle needed to unite and be serious in all efforts to be rid of this disease. The Church must take promptness into consideration.