Cases of Covid-19 are spiking in countries across the globe, and the pandemic is being met with increased fear and anxiety of what is to come. The Diocese of Rome, in the midst of Italy’s lockdown to limit spread of the disease, held a day of prayer and fasting on March 11 for the coronavirus pandemic.
To mark the day, the Holy Father offered a reflection and prayer to the faithful in the diocese. His prayer calls on the intercession of Our Lady, Health of the Sick. He asks the Blessed Mother to protect all from harm and to be a source of hope and faith to those who worry.
In this time of uncertainty, call upon Mary to calm your anxieties, protect your community, comfort those who have lost loved ones, and draw us nearer to her son.
Pope Francis’ prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick:
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.
We are certain that you will provide, so that as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore 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 pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Father Rocky always says, the more you pray, the better things go! Here’s another prayer imploring the intercession of the Mother of God during this time of crisis:
“O Lady of Good Health, our Merciful Father chose you to be a powerful intercessor in times of trouble and woe.
As in past centuries when you have ended contagious diseases, we implore you now to end the Coronavirus which is damaging the health of many and spreading fear in our communities.
Teach us not to be afraid, to be courageous and generous in offering assistance to others, and to live joyfully in the state of grace.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
Fr. Rocky encourages you to call upon the intercession of Our Lady of Good Health. He said this about how his devotion started: “I discovered this miraculous image of Our Lady of Good Health thirty years ago while studying in Rome. It is found at a side altar in the Church of St. Mary Magdalen where St. Camillius de Lellis is buried. From first hand experience, I know the power of prayers to Our Lady of Good Health. At the time I was praying for a loved one who had a very serious and incurable condition. That person is still living today.”
Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us!
