Oratio Imperata Ad Petendam Pluviam

No, I have not suddenly become proficient in Latin. The Oratio Imperata Ad Petendam Pluviam (Obligatory Prayer to Request for Rain) was issued by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and this prayer was said in all Masses in Manila beginning last weekend.

Manila, the Philippines actually, has been experiencing a dry spell for several months now. Water supply has decreased drastically, falling below critical levels. Electrical outages are becoming more frequent, crops are dying and if rain doesn't come soon, the situation would be a lot worse.

Then, last Friday, the Oratio Imperata was first prayed in masses across Manila.

Call it Divine Intervention, but we are now in the middle of two typhoons (one leaving, one about to enter the country). Classes in Elementary and High School have been suspended for the day, even my office has declared early dismissal at 4PM. It seems that our prayers have brought about what we desperately need...rain.

I consider this a blessing...however, I'm sure others will disagree. As with any sudden downpours, we are now experiencing heavy floods, massive traffic and of course, accidents and landslides. But underneath all of the negative, you can't deny the fact that our prayers were answered. And it's another testament of how God listens to us and grants us what we ask for. Ask and you shall receive, right?

I'm not being insensitive about how damaging the rains are... but if you think about it, we expect the typhoon season every year. It's just that this time, we asked for it to come, and it did. And I'm sure prayers played a very big part in that. Call it coincidence, but to me, it's something so much more.