Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan has declared 21 days of “Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary” and prayer for national healing” in his archdiocese from July 16 to August 5.
The prelate said people should turn to prayer amid the clouds of “helplessness and discouragement” in the country.
“The anxiety caused by the current pandemic and the socio-political turmoil born from various social issues render us not knowing what to do, how to serve as spiritual leaders, and how to be disciples with the disciples of the Lord in crisis,” he said in a statement on July 13.
“We turn to prayer. We turn to the Mother of God. We are never helpless if we cling to the Virgin Mother,” added the archbishop.
He called on people to repent and to be consecrated to be healed.
“We are in state of rebellion against God and we are seeing the consequences of our sin. We must repent. We must be consecrated again if we wish to be healed,” he said.
Archbishop Villegas instructed his priests to recite the “Act of Consecration” and “Prayer for National Healing” in all Masses after the post-communion prayer while kneeling while facing the altar.
He said families must also be encouraged to pray the “Act of Consecration” at home after the family rosary and even repeatedly during the day.
He also asked the faithful to join the August 5 Mass in honor of the Virgin Mary at the Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag via live streaming.
The archbishop said that due to limitations set by the coronavirus pandemic, only a few people will be allowed inside the basilica.
