Special Prayers to End Heat and Drought in the Philippines

(RV - 26 Feb 10) In the Philippines, intense heat and drought has caused agricultural losses of $81 million, with water levels in some dams dropping to critical levels, and blackouts reported in the southern region.

In response to the abnormal weather, the Catholic Church in the Philippines has released an Oratio Imperata – or prayer for a special intention – that calls for rain.

We spoke with Monsignor Pedro Quitorio, Director of the Media Office at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.