Cebu archbishop issues prayer for the protection of children

Cebu Archbishop Albert Uy has issued a prayer for the protection of the children and advised parents to leave a "legacy of faith" following incidents of violence involving students in schools in different parts of the country.

The Oratio Imperata or an obligatory prayer issued by the archbishop usually with the directive that this would be recited in all churches, chaplaincies, by priests, nuns, and members of religious organizations.

The prayer states in part:

"Almighty and loving Father, You are our refuge and strength, our help in times of fear and distress.

We come before You with troubled hearts because of the violence and shootings that have brought fear to our schools, families, and communities.

Lord, protect our children and young people. Keep them safe wherever they study, play, and gather. Grant wisdom and vigilance to parents, teachers, school personnel, and all entrusted with their care."

Archbishop Uy, in his homily delivered on Wednesday at the St. Augustine of Hippo Parish in Carmen, Cebu told the parents to teach their children to pray constantly.

"Aron ang mga anak, mapanalipdan sa panuway. Tudloi sa pag-ampo, kanunay," the prelate said in Cebuano.

(So that children can be protected from temptation. Teach them to pray, always.)

"I would like, each one of you, dili lang mga anak mga ginikanan (not just the children and their parents) to take this seriously the advice of your archbishop," he added.

Reports of school shootings are both terrible and painful to hear, the prelate said.

He underscored that in the latest incident, the shooter is a child and the victims are innocent people. And there is also a possibility that one's own child could be the next shooter.

"That's painful to imagine if you are a parent," he said.

"Pwede sad, na ang mahimong inosenteng biktima, atong anak, atong igsuon o kaha, kita," he added.

(It could be that the innocent victim is our child, our sibling, or even us.)

To the parents attending the mass in the town of Carmen in Cebu, Archbishop Uy said, "The best way to teach and encourage your children to pray is by way of example."

The children can be instructed to memorize prayers such as the "Our Father," the "Hail Mary," or the "Glory be to the Father."

"Parents, remember this, the best legacy you can leave your children is not money, it's not property, but a legacy of faith," he said. — BAP, GMA News