Archbishop of Davao and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines President Romulo G. Valles has answered the call of Pope Francis in the worldwide praying of the Lord’s Prayer to combat COVID-19.
In his message signed March 24, Archbishop Valles said the Holy Father has invited all Christians to join in praying the “Our Father” together as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On Wednesday, March 25, the feast of the Annunciation, he has called the “heads of Churches and the leaders of every Christian community, together with all the Christians of the various confessions” to recite at the same time the Our Father,” Archbishop Valles said.
“We recommend that we will pray together the Lord’s Prayer at 7:00 o’clock in the evening on March 25, Wednesday (Philippine Time),” the archbishop added.
Archbishop Valles also invited everyone to participate in another activity set by Pope Francis on March 27, the giving of Urbi et Orbi Blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica which will be broadcast on March 28, 1:00 am Philippine time.
The archbishop said that the pope will preside this moment of prayer at the St. Peter’s Basilica, with the possibility of gaining plenary indulgence for all those who listen to it through the various forms of communication.
The ceremony includes readings from the Scriptures, prayers of supplication, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and concludes with Pope Francis giving the Urbi et orbi Blessing.
The blessing “to the City [of Rome] and to the World” is normally only given on Christmas and Easter.
“This is a beautiful opportunity to be united with our Holy Father in prayer during this time of crisis,” the archbishop of Davao ended.
