A Catholic diocese in northern Metro Manila has requested prayers in parishes as a landfill fire continues, worsening air quality and raising health concerns.
The Diocese of Kalookan issued an “oratio imperata,” or ordered prayer, to be recited at all Masses within its jurisdiction.
An oratio imperata is a special prayer mandated during calamities and traditionally recited during Masses in times of crisis.
“Given the gravity of the situation affecting our communities, we are invited to come together in prayer through this Oratio Imperata, to be prayed throughout the diocese,” it said.
The prayer described the ongoing blaze at the Navotas sanitary landfill as releasing toxic fumes affecting nearby communities across Metro Manila.
It also urged government agencies to act swiftly and hold those responsible accountable for what it called a “grave tragedy.”
The diocese warned of heightened health risks, including asthma and respiratory illnesses, particularly among children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
It expressed solidarity with firefighters, engineers and volunteers working to contain the fire, including local and foreign experts assisting response efforts.
The prayer also called for long-term environmental responsibility, including waste reduction, proper segregation and recycling, while invoking saints for protection of affected communities.
The fire at the 40-hectare Navotas landfill, which began April 10, has been burning for 21 days, sending smoke and ash into surrounding areas.
