Archdiocese appeals to the faithful: Unite in prayer for world peace on Good Friday

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MANILA, Philippines — In a move echoing the global call for an end to violence, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) has mandated that a special intention for world peace be included in the General Intercessions of the Good Friday liturgy.

In a circular dated April 1, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula urged the clergy and the faithful to unite in prayer for regions currently devastated by war.

The directive comes in response to the recent appeal of Pope Leo XVI, who, in his Palm Sunday message, highlighted the plight of Christians in the Middle East and others suffering in conflicts worldwide.

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Advincula noted that the Roman Missal and the document "Paschalis Solemnitatis" allow a diocesan bishop to prescribe additional intentions in instances of "grave public necessity."

Advincula’s circular also cited the late Benedictine theologian and liturgist Anscar Chupungco, reminding the faithful that the Good Friday intercessions are a "propitious moment" to present the world's pressing needs:

“The Good Friday general intercessions are the propitious moment to pray for the important and pressing needs of the Church and the whole world… In the inaccuracy of our human tongue, we could say that after the reading of the passion narrative, whereby we present to the Father what his Son has done for us and for the world, we make our petitions with confidence that he will not refuse them on account of the merits of his Son.”

“Together, let us come in supplication to the foot of the Cross, and there bring the sighs of sorrow and the hopes for peace of all humanity. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, may God grant us ‘peace through His Son’s blood on the Cross’ (Col 1:20),” Advincula said.