MANILA, Sept. 6, 2012— As the country observes Peace Month, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on Filipinos to utilize this month in praying for peace.
After its regular meeting last Sept. 4, the CBCP permanent council has agreed to dedicate one Sunday of this month in reciting a special prayer in all churches.
CBCP secretary general Msgr. Joselito Asis said all parish churches are requested to include the recitation of the “Harmony Prayer” during Sunday Masses.
The bishops’ move was in reply to the request of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) for the religious sector to participate in the celebration.
“We encourage our friends from the religious sector to participate in the celebration of Peace Month 2012 to use the Harmony Prayer in one of your Sunday Masses in September, if possible,” OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles said in a letter to Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president.
September was first declared as the Peace Month on July 10, 2004 through Proclamation No. 675.
Now on its 9th year, Deles said the annual festivity enjoins all government agencies and instrumentalities to initiate and participate in activities to instill greater public consciousness and understanding of the meaning of the culture of peace as well as the comprehensive peace process.
This year’s theme “Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan”, according to her, sends the message that each Filipino has a stake in peace.
“…Regardless of the differences in geographic area, culture and religion, and in our diversity, we stand united in bringing peace to the country,” she added. [CBCPNews]
Harmony Prayer
O Lord, I cry for Peace. Purify my eyes to see peace.
Purify my mind to understand peace
Purify my heart to love peace. Purify my memory to work for peace;
The Peace that comes from your love and compassion.
O Lord, sustain my vision of peace following your inspiration.
You have many ways of revealing your presence and love for humanity,
But your style is constant: You are in dialogue with all, You care for all.
Make me, O Lord, a sign of your peace,
Living a life-in-dialogue with you to understand your silence and seek your presence.
In dialogue with myself to rediscover the meaning of my life.
In dialogue with others to move together in harmony with all.
And in dialogue with creation to care for the earth.
Give me, O Lord, the courage to live in dialogue
In the midst of divisions and conflicts and to build peace with all people
Of sincere hearts who believe in your love and compassion.
Amen.
