Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos. Photo by Ernie Esconde
BALANGA CITY — Bishop Ruperto C. Santos of the Diocese of Balanga on Wednesday released a prayer for Ukraine by Stella Maris–Philippines that he said is being recited during Holy Masses in port chaplaincies in the country.
The Bataan prelate who is Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris–Philippines said that the prayer was also sent to different port chaplaincies outside the country.
Here is the prayer:
Our almighty God, merciful Father, we lift to You the country of Ukraine. We deeply rely on Your power. We urgently need Your peace and providence.
Protect those who are caught in the middle of this war. Shelter the people of Ukraine in this time of danger, destruction, and death. We ask that You continue to strengthen them, keep them safe, and sustain their courage with Your Divine Presence.
We pray that You give comfort to the weary and console those who are suffering. May Your everlasting love shelter the wounded and embrace the dying. We pray that You safeguard the protestors in Russia who are taking a stand against the war being waged in their name. Preserve their desire for serenity and harmony.
We earnestly ask for the conversion of the invading forces. May peace awaken, reign in their hearts, and stop this war.
In special way we remember all the seafarers. Shield them from harms and accidents; spare their vessels and cargoes and be treated with respect for life and global supply never be disrupted.
Finally, we pray for our world leaders. May You guide them and shower them with Your Divine wisdom.
Be powerful in their life to bring the peace and healing that we all need. May all foster dialogue, resort to diplomacy and exhaust all means to give peace a chance.
Heavenly Father, merciful God, we know You work through prayers and we believe You will hear and answer in accordance with Your holy will. We pray all these in the name of Your most precious and beloved Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
