MANILA, Philippines – Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle ordered parishes to pray an obligatory prayer against Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) as he said Filipinos should “not give in to panic.”

In a statement, Tagle said parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila should pray the oratio imperata, or obligatory prayer, “for deliverance from calamities” starting Thursday evening, December 4, until the order is lifted.

“Let our preparations include prayer,” he said.

Below is the oratio imperata endorsed by Tagle:

Almighty Father, we raise our hearts to you in gratitude for the wonders of creation, for your providence in sustaining us in our needs, and for your wisdom that guides the course of the Universe.

We acknowledge our sins against you and the rest of creation. We have not been good stewards of your creation. We turn to you, our loving Father, and beg forgiveness for our sins.

We pray to you for protection from calamities, from the floods and raging waters brought by storms, from howling winds that destroy our homes, from the loosening of earth that brings landslides.

Calm the storm and keep us all safe and far from harm these perilous days and always.

We ask this through Your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit now and forever.

Amen.

Ruby, which has weakened but still poses a threat, is set to make landfall in the northern area of Samar Island by Saturday evening, December 6, or Sunday morning, December 7.

In his statement, Tagle pointed out that Ruby “awakens extreme dread and fear among us especially those who are victims” of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013.

“We should not give in to panic,” he said. “Instead let us focus on being prepared and on being of help. Let us heed all typhoon warnings and all advisories from the government agencies that monitor this type of situations.”

Tagle added: “Along with our prayer for mercy and deliverance to God our Father, let us fill our hearts with compassion for those who are hungry, homeless, isolated by floods, threatened by strong winds and landslides. Let us pray that they may find food, shelter, and safety.”

To help those affected by Ruby, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines also requested Catholic schools and parishes to shelter evacuees. – Rappler.com