Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop initiates 21-day prayer for national healing

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas called on the people to spend 21 days in prayer for national healing from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the ongoing "socio-political turmoil," according to a post on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website.

Villegas, in a letter addressed to the parish priests in the archdiocese, spoke of the “clouds of helplessness and discouragement hovering over us and our brothers and sisters”.

He added that the issues faced by Filipinos “render us not knowing what to do, how to serve as spiritual leaders and how to be disciples with the disciples of the Lord in crisis.”

The prelate is calling the people to pray. Thus, declaring a 21-day period of prayer starting on July 16, which is also the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, until August 5, the Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

He also advises the recitation of the Act of Consecration and Prayer for National Healing in all Masses, and for families to pray the Rosary.

Villegas explained the significance of the number 21, stating that the number refers to the 21 rebellious acts of the Israelites after the liberation from Egypt.

“We are in a state of rebellion against God and we are seeing the consequences of our sin. We must repent. We must be consecrated again if we wish to be healed,” he said.

“Let us not give in to discouragement and depression. Let us go to our Lady. Let us take comfort in the message of Our Lady to San Juan Diego: Trust in me. I am your Mother,” he added. -- BAP, GMA News