CBCP urges parishes to pray for Myanmar

MANILA – The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) encouraged bishops and diocesan administrators to join Myanmar in commemorating their “Martyr Day” on July 19.

In a circular released on Saturday, Fr. Carlo Del Rosario, CBCP assistant secretary general, urged the clergy to join the celebration on Monday which was declared as a “Day of Solidarity with Myanmar.”

“The Permanent Council in their meeting last July 7, 2021, has approved a proposal from Partnership Mission for People’s Initiative (PMPI), St. Vincent School of Theology, Loyola School of Theology and Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services, (IDEALS) Inc. to declare a “DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH MYANMAR” on July 19, Monday. This will be a day of special observance especially for our sisters and brothers in Myanmar, which is designated as “Martyrs’ Day” by their nation, commemorating the death and sacrifices of Gen. Aung San and his cabinet members who were assassinated on the said date, in the year 1947,” the circular added.

As a sign and expression of our support, the CBCP encouraged all parishes to join the tolling of church bells at noon and at 6 p.m.

They are asked to pray the Prayer of Solidarity with Myanmar prepared by the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy in all Masses on Monday.

Myanmar has been in political unrest since February 1 after the military seized power in a coup from the civilian government by Aung San Suu Kyi.

Over 800 people have so far been killed in the military’s crackdown against anti-coup protesters.