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Philippine Catholic churches include prayers for peace in Middle East during Holy Week masses
"We earnestly pray for peace in the Middle East and the world... may every people live in tranquility and freedom," says the special intention Prayers of the Faithful
- PUBLISHED: Fri 3 Apr 2026, 2:39 PM UPDATED: Sun 5 Apr 2026, 5:59 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Catholic churches across the Philippines are including prayers for peace in the Middle East and throughout the world during the Holy Week celebrations.
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“We earnestly pray for peace in the Middle East and the world. May God purify the world of all violence, greed, and misuse of power that bring suffering and death to many. Let us pray to the Lord,” says the first part of the special intention Prayers of the Faithful.
“We pray for those who suffer because of the scourge of war that peace may be granted to them soon, and may every people live in tranquility and freedom. Let us pray to the Lord,” the second part adds.
The Prayer of the Faithful, also known as the Universal Prayer or General Intercessions takes place at the end of the liturgy of the word, the first part of the Roman Catholic Mass where parts of the holy scriptures are read and before the beginning of the liturgy of the eucharist.
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula implored the special intention be included in the Liturgy Prayer of the Faithful throughout the Holy Week. The liturgical prayer allows the congregation to pray for, among others, the world and its difficulties.
Archdiocesan chancellor Rev. Fr. Carmelo P. Arada Jr. said the special prayer was requested by the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia (Avosa), Bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap, who asked the faithful to “remain united in prayer for peace.”
“I invite you all to pray the rosary every day for peace and reconciliation. During all Holy Masses, let us pray for peace and the security of all people in this region,” Martinelli reportedly implored.
Over 80 per cent of Filipinos are Catholics, numbering to around 89 million, including a vast majority of their two million compatriots in the Middle East.
The Philippines is currently on a four-and-a-half day holiday to observe the Holy Week to commemorate the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life, including his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, crucifixion on Good Friday, and resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday is considered the holiest and important day for Christians throughout the world.
