Manila Archbishop orders prayers for rain amid El Niño threat

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has ordered all parishes and communities in the Archdiocese of Manila to pray for rain amid the threat of a strong El Niño that could bring prolonged drought and water scarcity.

In a circular released on Thursday, Advincula directed churches to include the Oratio Imperata ad Petendam Pluviam (Prayer for Rain) in daily Eucharistic celebrations, following the Post-Communion Prayer, starting Sunday, Nov. 8, until further notice.

“As we implore the Lord to grant us the gift of rain, let us be reminded of the power of united prayer,” Advincula said.

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He said the common prayer should also strengthen solidarity with communities that could be hardest hit by the drought.

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“May this common supplication also strengthen our solidarity with the poor and vulnerable communities who may be especially affected by the consequences of drought,” he said.

Advincula also encouraged priests, catechists, religious educators and others involved in faith formation to use the occasion to deepen the faithful’s understanding of their responsibility to care for the environment.

READ: ‘Very strong’ El Niño now active in tropical Pacific, says Pagasa

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“Let us help our communities recognize that the natural world is not merely a resource to be consumed, but a precious gift entrusted by the Creator to our care and stewardship,” he said.

He stressed that water is essential to life and urged the public to develop habits of conservation and responsible consumption.

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“Let our prayers move us to concrete action,” Advincula said, adding that caring for the environment was an essential expression of people’s love for God and their neighbors.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Wednesday that a “very strong” El Niño had formed in the tropical Pacific and was expected to peak by year-end, potentially worsening drought conditions.

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Pagasa climate monitoring chief Ana Liza Solis said the phenomenon’s effects could persist until mid-2027. /cb