Cardinal Advincula urges prayers amid El Niño's worsening heat impact - GMA Network

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has called on the faithful to offer prayers as a very strong El Niño is expected to bring record-breaking heat.

In a circular letter released Thursday, Advincula directed all parishes and communities under the Archdiocese of Manila to pray the Oratio Imperata ad Petendam Pluviam during Eucharistic celebrations.

The Oratio Imperata ad Petendam Pluviam will be prayed after the Post-Communion Prayer starting Sunday, November 8, until notice of the lifting of this instruction.

"As we implore the Lord to grant us the gift of rain, let us be reminded of the power of united prayer," Advincula said.

"When we come together as one community of faith, we entrust our needs and concerns to God's loving providence, confident that He hears the prayer of His beloved people," he added.

Advincula also urged priests, catechists, religious educators and those engaging in Christian formation to "take this opportunity to deepen the faithful's understanding of our Christian responsibility to care for creation."

"Let us help our communities recognize that the natural world is not merely a resource to be consumed, but a precious gift entrusted by the Creator to our care and stewardship," he said.

According to PAGASA, the El Niño phenomenon from the latter part of 2026 to the first half of 2027 is expected to be record-breaking in terms of heat, with temperatures across the Philippines expected to rise by 2C.

“Most climate models predict that the ongoing El Niño will persist until the first quarter of 2027, with its peak expected before the end of 2026. And its associated impacts may continue through the first half of 2027,” PAGASA Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section Chief Ana Liza Solis said. —LDF, GMA News