The Diocese of Virac will take part in the National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance on October 12, in response to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) call for unity in prayer and reflection.
In a circular released this week, Bishop Luisito Occiano urged all priests, religious communities, and lay faithful in the diocese to heed the CBCP’s invitation issued on October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.
The observance, he said, is meant as “a sign of unity in prayer and repentance for the healing of our nation,” Radyo Veritas 846 reported.
“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on all dioceses to observe a National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance last October 7. As one Diocese, I enjoin everyone to announce to our faithful our solidarity with our cry for healing in our country that will happen on Sunday, October 12, 2025. This day invites all the faithful to seek God’s mercy for our nation and renew our commitment to truth, justice, and peace,” Bishop Occiano said.
The prelate encouraged parishes, mission stations, religious communities, and Catholic institutions to take part by displaying banners that read: “National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance – Lord, Heal Our Land (October 12, 2025) NO TO CORRUPTION.”
He also called for Holy Hours of reparation and repentance before or after Sunday Masses, and the recitation of the Prayer for National Repentance in all Masses until the Solemnity of Christ the King.
“Let us unite our hearts as one Church, humbly seeking God’s forgiveness and mercy for ourselves and our nation. May our collective prayer bring renewal and hope to our land,” Bishop Occiano added.
The CBCP launched the observance to foster unity among Filipino Catholics and renew their faith in “the God of truth and mercy” amid ongoing national challenges, including corruption and the lack of justice.
