Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales of Manila yesterday instructed his flock to include in all Masses for one week a “prayer of reparation” for what he called the “sin of sacrilege and blasphemy” involving a controversial art exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In a circular to the clergy, religious superiors and school directors, Archbishop Rosales also ordered a "Day of Penance" on August 26. “As a Church, we will kneel before our loving God to pray and seek reparation for this public sin. We will do this along with a ‘Prayer of Reparation'.” He said various lay groups have expressed strong sentiments against the work of artist Mideo Cruz, titled "Poleteismo." The exhibit sparked protests from Church leaders and politicians for juxtaposing religious images with clowns, Mickey Mouse ears and a bright red penis. The Manila prelate said the prayer must be recited in all Masses from August 21, the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, until August 28. He also encouraged everyone to “perform an act of penance or sacrifice” on that day, such as fasting or other forms of mortification “as an expression of remorse for the sins committed against God’s majesty.” He said that for Catholics and Christians, the offense "goes beyond visual senses" and "strikes into our souls." “The public exhibition of the repulsive work is sacrilege and blasphemy. It is a sin. It has deeply offended the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Mother and our Church,” he said. Related reports: Artist to face criminal chargesArtists defend controversial exhibition