We remember at this time to pray more intensely for each other and especially for those who have succumbed to the illness.

We should pray also for those in the frontlines – especially doctors, nurses and medical staff and other carers, including clergy – that the Lord will protect them as they place their own wellbeing at risk in the service of all.

“The voice of prayer is never silent”

 

EXTRACT FROM SAINT PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE

Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit down,

Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

 

MEMORARE       

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,

that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection,

implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence,

I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.

To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer.  Amen.

 

 

TO MARY FOR THE SICK

Mary, health of the sick,
be at the bedside of all the world’s sick people;
of those who are unconscious and dying;
of those who have begun their agony;
Of those who have abandoned all hope of a cure;
Of those who weep and cry out in pain;
Of those who cannot receive care because they are poor;
of those who need to be resting;
but who are forced to work;
for those who seek in vain for a less painful position in their beds;
for those who pass long nights sleepless;
of those who are tormented by the cares of a family in distress;
of those who must renounce their plans for the future;
of those, above all,
who do not believe in a better life;
of those who rebel and curse God;
of those who do not know that Christ suffered like them and for them.

 

PRAYER TO MARY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC              by Pope Francis

O Mary, you shine continuously along our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.

We entrust ourselves to you, health of the sick, who at the cross were near to the pain of Jesus, keeping your faith firm.

You, Salvation of the Roman people, know what we need, and we trust that you will provide for those needs so that, as at Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this moment of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us, He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and took up our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen

 

We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. do not despise our please – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

 

PRAYER IN TIME OF PANDEMIC

Lord Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.”

At your command the sick were made well again.

Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of this virus, that we may experience your healing love.

Lord, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and give us your peace.

In your mercy Lord, hear our prayer.

 

PRAYER TO ST. ROCH

(St Roch is patron saint of people suffering from infectious diseases)

O Blessed Saint Roch,
Patron of the sick,
Have pity on those
Who lie upon a bed of suffering.

Your power was so great
When you were in this world,
That by the sign of the Cross,
Many were healed of their diseases.

Now that you are in heaven,
Your power is not less.
Offer, then, to God
Our sighs and tears
And obtain for us that health we seek
Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

PRAYER DURING ILLNESS

Lord, at this time I have plenty of time to reflect and pray.
Grant me the strength to move my focus from my anxieties.
Deepen my sense of appreciation for all who are nursing me and those who support my family.
Bless those around me whose illness and anxiety is more serious than mine.
May they gain peace and strength from family, friends and nursing staff.
Lord Jesus, stay with me at this difficult time, I really need you now.

Amen.

 

PRAYER FOR PEACEFULNESS      

(Teresa of Avila 1515-1582)                         

Let nothing disturb you

Let nothing frighten you

Everything is changing

God alone is changeless

Patience attains the goal

One who has God lacks nothing

God alone fills our needs.