Manila, March 19 -- The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Thursday appealed to the clergy to offer a special prayer for peace to reign in the Middle East.

In a statement, Bishop Socrates Mesiona, chairperson of the CBCP - Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, urged the diocesan migrant offices and parishes to offer prayer for peace during Sunday Masses or through dedicated adoration hours.

"We firmly believe in the transformative power of prayer, as modeled by the Church's unwavering intercession for peace amid violence," he said.

He also requested the clergy to monitor the situation of families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and extend pastoral care.

"This may include spiri...