‘Oratio Imperata’ issued to stop killings in Cebu

The Archdiocese of Cebu will start this Sunday an “Oratio Imperata” which the Catholic Church hopes to put an end to the spate of killings in Cebu.

Archbishop Jose Palma, through Circular No.8/18, has asked all team ministries, parish priest and chaplains to say the prayer after the communion in every mass.

An Oratio Imperata, or “Obligatory Prayer," is a set invocative prayers of the Roman Catholic Church consisting of a liturgical action and a short, general prayer which the local ordinary or prelate of the church may publicly pray during a calamity or when there is a grave need.

The prelate said the series of killings done by unknown individuals has worried and saddened the people and that they do not want that these incidents would become a norm.

"We cannot be numb and insensitive to their negative effects to society," Palma said in the letter.

Palma said they hope that the Oratio Imperata would put a stop to the series of killings in the province and that those victims would get the justice they deserve.

The prelate added that those who are with God will not have anything to be afraid of and that the prayers are needed at this time.

The prayer hopes to awaken those who are not doing anything about the series of killings, disturb the plans of the perpetrators, touch the hearts of those who agree and allowing these incidents from happening, and to heal those who are in despair.

It also hopes for the people to stand up against these killings.