The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has declared a month-long observance of the “National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance,” urging both clergy and laypeople to come together in reflection and renewal as the country continues to face natural disasters and moral decline.
In a pastoral letter addressed to all dioceses, CBCP President and Kalookan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David invited parishes, schools, families, and church communities to take part in the nationwide initiative, which will begin next week in time for the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.
Cardinal David said the observance is intended to serve as “a prayer of national confession and contrition,” a collective act of repentance and appeal for God’s mercy over the many trials confronting the nation.
The prayer campaign includes the recitation of a special invocation titled “A National Cry for Mercy and Renewal,” which will be prayed beginning Tuesday and on the succeeding Sundays leading up to the Feast of Christ the King on November 23.
David emphasized that this call to prayer is also part of the Church’s ongoing synodal journey — a process of walking together in faith and discernment.
“This act of national contrition is also a step in our journey of synodality — walking together as God’s people, listening to the Spirit and to one another, in humility and hope,” he said.
The nationwide effort seeks not only to express remorse for personal and collective sins but also to confront deep-rooted issues such as corruption, injustice, political favoritism, and moral compromise. At the same time, it aims to strengthen the nation’s faith amid natural calamities and social challenges.
Through this month of prayer and reflection, the CBCP hopes to inspire spiritual renewal and remind Filipinos of the enduring power of repentance and unity in rebuilding a morally grounded nation.