Leyte Archbishop Calls Oratio Imperata for Good Weather During Pope’s Visit

A senior Leyte Catholic Church official on Wednesday called for the recital of an Oratio Imperata (mandatory prayer) for good weather in time for Pope Francis’ visit there on Saturday, following threat of a looming weather disturbance this week.

Report said Palo Archbishop John Du urged the faithful to seek Divine Intervention to thwart bad weather when the pope arrives Saturday.

PAGASA earlier warned of possible heavy rain on Leyte on Saturday due to a tropical depression approaching the Philippine Area of Responsibility. It added that there is a possibility the tropical depression could enter the PAR by Thursday, and even intensify into a tropical storm.

The state weather agency models indicated the weather system may make landfall near Bicol and affect Eastern Visayas, though another scenario indicated it may recurve.

Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive on Jan. 15 in the Philippines for a five-day visit, will go to Leyte Saturday where he will lead a Mass in Tacloban City and have lunch with survivors of recent calamities in Palo.

Source: GMA News Online