Manila Cardinal orders Oratio Imperata vs corruption as Philippines reels from corruption scandal

(PHOTO: AOC)

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila (RCAM) has mandated all parishes, shrines, and chapels under its jurisdiction to pray the Oratio Imperata for Integrity, Truth, and Justice amid the widening corruption scandal in the Philippines.

In a pastoral letter released on Thursday, Oct. 2, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula said the move is a rare but urgent response to what he described as a “profound moral and spiritual crisis” brought about by systemic corruption.

“The magnitude of corruption in our country is more and more appalling as we continue to discover its enormity and extent. It has caused untold damage to our institutions, to our people, and to the very fabric of our moral and social life,” Advincula said.

He added that the evil of corruption is “not merely a political or economic problem; it is a profound moral and spiritual crisis that gravely wounds the dignity of the human person and betrays the common good.”

As part of the archdiocese-wide directive, the Oratio Imperata will replace the usual Prayer of the Faithful during Mass beginning Oct. 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.

“We hereby mandate the praying of the Oratio Imperata for Integrity, Truth, and Justice in all shrines, parishes, oratories, and chapels of the Archdiocese of Manila,” Advincula said, stressing that the practice is reserved “only for the gravest of circumstances—as a clear expression of the urgency and seriousness of our situation.”

Also, the cardinal ordered that all church bells be rung at 8 p.m. daily, calling it a prophetic cry against corruption.

“This shall be both a prophetic cry of indignation and outrage against the evil of corruption, as well as a resounding call to contrition and conversion,” said Advincula.

“At the same time, it will be a manifestation of our fervent hope and undying love for our beloved country, trusting that God’s justice and mercy will triumph,” he went on.

The RCAM stressed that these instructions are to be “faithfully observed throughout the entire Archdiocese until the time we shall lift them.”

The pastoral call comes less than two weeks after thousands joined Sept. 21 rallies across Metro Manila and other key cities to demand accountability and transparency in government projects flagged as anomalous. Demonstrators carried placards denouncing “systematic corruption” and urged reforms in procurement and infrastructure spending.

Advincula expressed hope that prayer and action would go hand in hand in confronting the deepening crisis.

“Let us stand united in prayer and action, so that truth, integrity, and justice may prevail over dishonesty, corruption, and self-interest. With confidence, we entrust our nation to the Lord who is just and merciful,” he said. — Jel Santos