Iloilo Catholics pray 'oratio imperata' vs dengue

Catholics in Iloilo, which has declared a state of calamity because of dengue, have started praying an "Oratio Imperata" (obligatory prayer) against the disease. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said the Jaro Archdiocese ordered the prayer recited during daily and Sunday massses. "The prayer seeks for power and protection, divine healing and strength for the victims. It also prays for the health professionals and the government health agency to act responsibly for the fast recovery of the dengue victims," the CBCP said on its news site. An “Oratio imperata" is a special prayer that maybe prescribed by a bishop for a particular intention to be prayed by the faithful. Jaro Archbishop and former CBCP president Angel Lagdameo issued his order through Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza. Alminaza asked the people to pray not only for the recovery of the afflicted but also for the guidance of the doctors and caregivers who are caring for them. “We pray for the healthy and blessed in life for their generosity in sharing the blessings to those in need," he said. Alminaza said 10 people were killed and hundreds of others have suffered from dengue this year. Prayer of Deliverance from Dengue and other Diseases (Oratio Imperata) God, our loving Father, we come to you in need of your power and protection. Defend us from the maladies of dengue and other diseases that made many to suffer and have claimed the lives of several people especially the children. We ask your divine healing to restore to health all those who are suffering from the disease. Grant them the strength to endure the pain of their sickness and experience the consolation of your presence. We pray for all those in the medical profession who must treat and care for those who contract the disease. May they have the grace of competence and compassion to minister and heal the sick. Grant those who are working in the government health agency to act responsibly for the good and well-being of all people. May their expertise on health be listened to and followed by all. Bestow upon us the grace of faith and hope that you watch over us with love and providence and that your will for us is always good. This we pray through your Son, Jesus Christ, our divine healer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen Our Lady of Candles, pray for us. San Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us. San Roque, pray for us.