In our recent e-letter, the Council called the Province to a morning of prayer and fasting, for those whose health permits, on Sunday, March 15. The United States was also called to a National Day of Prayer amid the coronavirus crisis. Let us together turn to prayer for an end to this virus and for all the poor of our world who are most impacted by this crisis. I would like to suggest that we begin our time of prayer on Sunday with the following which was written by Kerry Weber, an executive editor of America magazine.
Jesus, you traveled through the towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.”
At your command, the sick were made well.
Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Jesus, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Be with families of those who are sick or have died.
As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair.
May they know your peace.
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals
who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process.
May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all nations.
Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve.
Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks.
May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few,
Jesus, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare.
In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
Jesus, heal us. AMEN