Friends, in recent weeks the coronavirus outbreak has had a profound impact on countries around the world—and increasingly, here now in our beautiful country of Ireland. Tough times ahead , but lets not forget what it means to be Irish. Lets try to support each other , our elderly, our children, our doctors, nurses, first responders, front line staff, all emergency and hospital and clinical staff, gardai, emergency workers, army local businesses , neighbors , friends , relatives and ourselves.
Please join me in praying for the sick, for their families, and for the souls of those who have lost their lives; for nurses, doctors, health care workers, first responders, our gardai and our army and emergency workers and volunteers and all those laboring to contain the disease and safeguard the elderly and other vulnerable people; and for Christ’s strength and peace to reign in the midst of suffering and fear.
Also let us remember the close on 25 million people and children in parts of Africa where we work that are affected by famine and drought and diseases also.
This is an occasion for all of us – especially in families -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, medical staff and other carers, emergency workers, gardai, army and . first responders including our clergy – that the Lord will protect them as they place their own wellbeing at risk in the service of all.
Please, join me in prayer as we consecrate all our city, county, country and world to Our Lady and St Joseph. Lord, in this time of the unknown we ask you to bless all who are unwell, we implore you to protect us, eliminate all fear and anxiety and increase our trust in you.
“Jesus Christ, you traveled through 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 those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.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 Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.Be with the 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 Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.Jesus Christ, hear us and heal us.”
Amen.
I would urge you to follow the instructions given by the HSE and we will all hopefully get through this
awful virus safely.
