The head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Oct. 13 ordered all military chaplains to dedicate their daily rosary for the safe visit of Pope Francis to their country in January.

Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. gave the directive during an Oct. 13 Mass at the military headquarters cathedral to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the date of the first Marian apparition in Fatima, Portugal.

In a statement, the military said his message also asked all Catholic service members to also pray a rosary daily for the pope’s safety when he visits the Philippines. His trip is scheduled for Jan. 15-19, 2015.

Father Bernardo Odfina, a lieutenant colonel and acting armed forces chief chaplain, said: “We are very much concerned for the successful visit of the Holy Father, Pope Francis here in the Philippines; and as father of the AFP, General Catapang is responsible for leading the whole armed forces in supporting the government’s efforts to ensure the safe and peaceful visit of the holy pope.”