Prayer Resources for use during the Coronavirus pandemic

Prayer Resources for use during the Coronavirus pandemic: 

The following prayers and resources are offered to assist the faithful during the threat of the coronavirus:

Pope Francis’ Prayer to the Creator

Lord, Father of our human family,
you created all human beings equal in dignity:
pour forth into our hearts a fraternal spirit
and inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter,
dialogue, justice and peace.
Move us to create healthier societies
and a more dignified world,
a world without hunger, poverty, violence and war.

May our hearts be open
to all the peoples and nations of the earth.
May we recognize the goodness and beauty
that you have sown in each of us,
and thus forge bonds of unity, common projects,
and shared dreams. Amen.

Source: Fratelli Tutti, Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis. 

Pope Francis’ Prayer to Mary during the coronavirus pandemic 

O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Pope Francis’ Rosary Prayers for Protection from Coronavirus

Pope Francis is encouraging families to rediscover the Rosary at home and has offered two new prayers to recite at the end of the Rosary: 

First Prayer

O Mary,
You shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who, at the foot of the cross,
were united with Jesus’ suffering,
and persevered in your faith.
“Protectress of the Roman people”,
you know our needs,
and we know that you will provide,
so that, as at Cana in Galilee,
joy and celebration may return
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the will of the Father
and to do what Jesus tells us.
For he took upon himself our suffering,
and burdened himself with our sorrows
to bring us, through the cross,
to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always
from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

Second Prayer

“We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God”.

In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly to you, Mother of God and our Mother, and seek refuge under your protection.

Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes towards us amid this coronavirus pandemic. Comfort those who are distraught and mourn their loved ones who have died, and at times are buried in a way that grieves them deeply. Be close to those who are concerned for their loved ones who are sick and who, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, cannot be close to them. Fill with hope those who are troubled by the uncertainty of the future and the consequences for the economy and employment.

Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to God, the Father of mercies, that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew. Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, so that the families of the sick and the victims be comforted, and their hearts be opened to confidence and trust.

Protect those doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers who are on the frontline of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Support their heroic effort and grant them strength, generosity and continued health.

Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, and to priests who, in their pastoral concern and fidelity to the Gospel, are trying to help and support everyone.

Blessed Virgin, illumine the minds of men and women engaged in scientific research, that they may find effective solutions to overcome this virus.

Support national leaders, that with wisdom, solicitude and generosity they may come to the aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions inspired by farsightedness and solidarity.

Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that the enormous funds invested in developing and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Beloved Mother, help us realise that we are all members of one great family and to recognise the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.

Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course.

To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary.

Amen.

Strong in the Face of Tribulation – a new prayer resource from the Vatican

Edited by the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication, this new digital publication, contains a collection of prayers, intercessions and homilies to help sustain the Church’s sense of communion amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Strong in the Face of Tribulation is available for download free of charge on the website of the Vatican’s publishing house, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, in PDF format. It is currently available in English, Italian, Spanish and French.

Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference Prayer Suggestions

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 at 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.

Bishops are suggesting that the following prayers be recited at this time: 

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.

Cuimhnigh 

Cuimhnigh,
a Mhaighdean Mhuire róghrámhar,
nár chualathas trácht ar éinne
riamh a chuir é féin
faoi do choimirce
ná a d’iarr cabhair ort
ná a d’impigh d’idirghuí
is gur theip tú air.

Lán de mhuinín asat, dá bhrí sin,
rithimse chugat, a Mhaighdean
na maighdean is a Mháthair.
Is chugatsa a thagaim,
is os do chomhair a sheasaim,
i mo pheacach bocht atuirseach.
Ó a Mháthair an Aonmhic,
ná diúltaigh do m’urnaithe
ach éist leo go trócaireach agus
freagair iad. Ámén.

An Act of Spiritual Communion 

This is a simple and loving act of Spiritual Communion we are called to make in these times, while we are unable to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist: 

Missing you – A prayer for grandparents and grandchildren missing each other

Lord, 

I am missing their tiny hands in mine
I miss their wrinkles and their smile 

I am missing their visits and our weekly walks
I miss their voice and our face to face talks

I am missing hearing all about their day
I miss them showing me the way

I am missing hugs and kisses
I miss sharing fun and wishes 

I am missing tucking them in on sleepovers
I miss story time snuggled under the covers 

I am missing joining our hands in prayer 
I miss just having them there 

I am missing seeing them grow
I miss them sharing all the things they know 

I am missing the Rites of passage that have passed 
I miss being them being with us at Mass

I am missing the grandchildrens’ ring on the door bell
I miss granny and grandad and hope they are well. 

I am missing their presence day and night, 
I miss my grandparents, my guiding light. 

Please bless my grandchildren, 
and keep them safe and sound.

Pease mind granny and grandad
until we can have them around. 

AMEN   

by Brenda Drumm, Catholic Communications Office 
World Communications Day, May 2020

COMECE/CCEE Common Prayer to God for Help 

The Presidents of the two bodies representing the Bishops’ Conferences of European
countries (COMECE and CCEE) have released a our common prayer to God for help,
comfort and salvation: 

God our Father, Creator of the world, almighty and merciful, out of love for us
You sent your Son into the world as the doctor of our souls and our bodies,
look upon your children who, in this difficult time of confusion and dismay in
many regions of Europe and the world, turn to you seeking strength, salvation
and relief, deliver us from illness and fear, heal our sick, comfort their families, give wisdom
to our rulers, energy and reward to our doctors, nurses and volunteers, eternal
life to the dead. Do not abandon us in the moment of trial but deliver us from all
evil.

We ask this of Thee, who with the Son and the Holy Spirit, live and reign for
ever and ever.

Amen.

Mary, mother of health and hope, pray for us!
May our blessing be with you,

Jean-Claude Card. Hollerich SJ
Archbishop of Luxembourg
President of COMECE

Angelo Card. Bagnasco
Archbishop of Genoa
President of CCEE

A Prayer in this time of challenge by Bishop Larry Duffy 

God of Love, we the people of the Diocese of Clogher turn to you with prayerful hearts and with confidence in your loving presence among us now and in every moment of our lives. We stand before you as a people of hope, trusting in your care and protection. May we be comforted by your love in these anxious times.

Generous and Merciful God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old; that we may look after each other in these challenging times, especially those among us who are vulnerable. May your example give us the courage we need to go to the margins, wherever they may be. Heal us of our fear.

Healing God, bring healing to those who are sick with the Coronavirus and be with their families and neighbours. We pray especially who those who are isolated, that they may know your love. Stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

God of Strength, accompany all those who serve us with such love and generosity in the medical profession and in all our healthcare facilities.  We give thanks for their continued work in the service of people. We ask you to bless them, strengthen them and guide them with your abundant goodness.

God of Wisdom, we ask you to guide the leaders in healthcare and governance; that they may make the right decisions for the wellbeing of people.

O God of creation and God of life, we, your people here in Clogher, place ourselves and our world in your protection and love. May your peace be with us and enfold us today, tomorrow and during the time ahead.

We make our prayer through the intercession of Mary our Mother, and all the saints.

St Joseph, pray for us.
St Patrick, pray for us.
St Macartan, pray for us.
St Davnet, pray for us.
St Fanchea, pray for us.

May all the saints of God, pray for us, Amen!                                               

 + Larry Duffy, Bishop of Clogher 

Knock Shrine Prayer – You Will Be Prayed For in Knock 

Lord, in 1879 the Apparition in Knock gave comfort and hope to your people in a time of distress and worry. In the presence of Our Lady, St Joseph, St John the Evangelist and the Lamb of God you showed us that we are neither alone nor abandoned in times of great need, personally and as a people.

We ask you Lord, to walk with us again as we face the Coronavirus. Help our medical personnel to bring the virus to a swift end and bless them in their work. We ask healing and recovery to be given to all who are suffering from the virus and their families.

May all of us, Lord, be strengthened by the spiritual support of the Christian community at this time through prayer, fasting and concern for one another. May we never abandon hope in the face of adversity and trust in your love for us. Amen

Our Lady of Knock, pray for us.
St Joseph, pray for us.
St John the Evangelist, pray for us.

Father Brian Grogan SJ 

Give Us This Day – texts for Morning and Evening Prayer 

Give Us This Day is published by Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN, USA and it contains texts for a Morning and Evening Prayer, for Mass with daily reflections, commentary on Scriptures, as well as prayers, hymns and colour images. This translation of the Scriptures is that which is used by the Church in the US.  Visit GUTD.net and select ‘Digital’ in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Then download the full PDF colour edition on the right hand side of the browser (Chrome is the preferred browser for use with this resource).  You can also access this resource by downloading the Give Us This Day app directly from the Apple and Google stores. 

Prayers at Home When Gathering for Mass is Not Possible

This prayer booklet has been prepared by the Diocese of Clonfert and the Diocese of Elphin specifically for this time we find ourselves in.  While you can pray this at any time, a good time to do so would be at the time Mass is normally celebrated in your local parish.

Click here to download the resource. 

Prayers from the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin 

A Coronavirus Prayer

Loving and healing God,
we, the people of Kildare & Leighlin turn to you in prayer,
confident that you are with us and with all people in every moment.
We stand before you as people of hope, trusting in your care and protection.
May your faithful love support us and soothe the anxiety of our hearts.

Generous God,
fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old,
that we may look after one another in these challenging days.
Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families.
May those who have died rest in your eternal embrace.
Comfort their family and friends.
Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick
and all who work in our medical facilities.
Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance
that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.
We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all.
Bless them and keep them safe.

O God of creation and life,
we place ourselves in your protection.
May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.
          St Brigid, pray for us.
          St Conleth, pray for us.
          St Lazerian, pray for us.
          May all the saints of God, pray for us. Amen.

A Prayer for Healthcare Workers during this time of the Coronavirus COVID-19

Loving God,
we place into your care
all our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.
Give them courage of heart
and strength of mind and body.
Keep them safe from harm.
May they know our deep gratitude
for all they are doing
to heal and help those affected by
the coronavirus.

God of all consolation
may they know your protection and peace.
Bless them in these challenging days
and bless their families.
Amen.

A Prayer for our Priests as they exercise their ministry during this time of the Coronavirus COVID-19

Eternal God,
Be with our priests this day as they seek
to minister to your people.
May you be a guiding and protective presence with them
as they bring the consolation and hope of Your word
and the grace and nourishment of Eucharist
to those entrusted into their care.

Grant them the strength of mind and body,
keep them safe to do your will,
And give them the courage and peace
to face each day with trust and confidence in You.
Into your hands O God, we commend them;
fill them with your grace and healing.

Amen.

Dublin Diocese – Press the Pause Button

In what is an anxious time for so many, it is good to take time to pray, pause and reflect on the opportunities that the current health crisis can provide. The Dublin Diocesan Liturgical Resource Centre has prepared a possible 8-step programme to follow or adapt to your own situation which in entitled Press the Pause Button

Download the resource here. 

Paidir Phroinsias Naofa/Prayer of Saint Francis

Déan gléas chun síochána díom id láimh, a Thiarna
San áit a bhfuil fuath go gcuire me an grá
..san áit a bhfuil ciontacht go gcuire me; pardún
..san áit a bhfuil amhras go gcuire me creideamh
..in áit na éadóchas; go gcuire me an dóchas;
..in áit na dorchadas go gcuire me solas
..san áit in a bhfuil brón go gcuire me lúcháir

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
..where there is injury, pardon;
..where there is doubt, faith;
..where there is despair, hope;
..where there is darkness, light;
..where there is sadness, joy;

A Thiarna, deonaigh a spreagadh dhom
.. sólas a thabhairt seachas sólas a fháil
.. dul i dtuiscint ar dhaoine seachas go dtuigfí me féin
..Grá a roinnt ar dhaoine seachas grá fháil uathu

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
..to be consoled as to console;
..to be understood as to understand;
..to be loved as to love.

Mar is le linn dúinn tabhairt a fhaighimid féin
..is le linn dúinn pardún a thabhairt a mhaitear dúinn
..is le linn dúinn bás a fháil a théimid i seilbh na beatha síoraí.

For it is in giving that we receive;
..it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
..and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Paidir Naomh Micheál/Prayer to Saint Michael

A Naoimh-Mícheál Árdaingeal
cosain sinn i n-am an chatha,
bí mar dhídean againn in aghaidh urchoírde
agus chealgaireachta an diabhail.
Go mbagruighidh Dia air, athchuinghimíd go humhal.
Agus dean-sa a cheannphuirt na sluaighte neamhdha an t-aidhbheirseoir céadna a theilgean síos síos go hifreann, tré chómhacht Dé, agus ina theannta sin na hainsoioraid eile atá ag imtheacht ar fuaid an domhain le fonn anamnacha a chuir i mbealach a gcaillte. Áméin.

Holy Michael the Archangel,
defend us in the battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil.
Rebuke him, O God, we humbly beseech thee;
and do thou, O Prince of the
heavenly host, by the divine power,
cast into hell satan and
all the other evil spirits
who wander through the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Lockdown – A Reflection by Brother Richard Hendrick OFM Cap 

Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing.

Prayer of Saint John Henry Newman