Pastoral Letter

“Prayer For National Peace

And Reconciliation”

Circular No. 31; Series of 1983

November 07, 1983

To the Auxiliary Bishops, Parish Priests, Parochial Vicars,

the Officers and Members of Parish Organizations,

and the Catholic Faithful in the Archdiocese of Manila:

Beginning the 20th of November 1983 (Feast of Christ the King) there shall be some modifications in our joint prayer for National Peace and Reconciliation.

Instead of ringing the bells twenty-one times before and after the prayer, the bells in parish churches and chapels should be rung three times at each of the three invocations of the Angelus, hence, nine times in all and during the recitation of the noon Angelus.

Prayer for National Peace and Reconciliation

P.         We live in days marked by overwhelming problems and varying proposed solutions. Let us pray for the discernment and light to the people of justice and peace.

Response:  Lord, hear our prayer.

L.         In a time when all things are passing away, may our hearts and labor be given to what is of lasting value.  We pray to the Lord.

R.         Lord, hear our prayer.

L.         In a time of great change and confusion, may we be    granted the serenity to trust in God's power and wisdom. We pray to the Lord.

R.         Lord, hear our prayer.

L.         We ask humility and discernment that we may not be misled, nor mislead others. We pray to the Lord.

R.         Lord, hear our prayer.

L.         When so many are victims of injustice and disorder,  may we learn to live in the service of our brothers and sisters. We pray to the Lord.

R.         Lord, hear our prayer.

L.         May our own lives give witness of our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. We pray to the Lord.

R.         Lord, hear our prayer.

P.         God of perfect peace, violence and cruelty can have    no part with you. May those who are at peace with  one another hold fast to the good will that unites  them; may those who are enemies forget their hatred and be reconciled. We ask this through Christ  our Lord.

R.               Amen.  

I trust that those at home, in school or in the office or    place of work will continue to stop what they are doing for     five minutes every noontime to pray for our country and our people. Please continue to tune in to Radio Veritas, which will lead our joint prayer.

“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”

(SGD.) + Jaime L. Cardinal Sin, D.D.

Archbishop of Manila

Manila, November 07, 1983