Being and Praying in this time of the Coronavirus

Being and Praying in a quiet and still place

Lord Jesus, you invited the apostles to come away with you to a deserted place and rest a while.  During these days of isolation, let us be inspired by St. Paul of the Cross to use this time, if we are able, for reflection and contemplation so that we may better understand your working in our lives and in our world. Like the apostles, and like the companions of St. Paul of the Cross, enable me to experience You in these times of isolation – your suffering love and tender compassion.  May I come to better know myself, to draw closer to you, and to thus be of better service to my sisters and brothers and Your Earth.  Help me to listen attentively, to ponder prayerfully, to respond generously, and to benefit from the solitude and peace.  Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Sorrows, may all of us in isolation be better able to follow your footsteps in all the opportunities and challenges of life.  St. Paul of the Cross, pray for us. Blessed Dominic Barberi, pray for us. Ignatius Spencer, Servant of God, pray for us. Elizabeth Prout, Servant of God, pray for us. Amen.

Practical Guidelines from the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales

The Catholic Church around the World is gathering together a range of different resources to help the Faithful through the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have produced the following guidelines to help Parishes organise their activities at this time: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/our-work/health-social-care/coronavirus-guidelines/

How to make an Act of Spiritual Communion

Spiritual Communion was defined by St Thomas Aquinas as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Holy Sacrament and a loving embrace as though we had already received Him”. In the present context of not being able to receive the Eucharist due to the limitations placed on us by the Coronavirus outbreak it means not receiving the Blessed Sacrament physically. The following prayer might be useful in making a spiritual communion:

“My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You in my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.”

Of course, this prayer can be said at any time of the day or night but some people might prefer to say it at the time during which they might normally be attending Mass.

Prayer Resources during this difficult time

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 across 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 holy hope, pray for us!

A Prayer for Healing and Hope

Most Merciful and Triune God,
We come to You in our weakness.
We come to You in our fear.
We come to You with trust.
For You alone are our hope.
We place before You the disease present in our world.
We turn to You in our time of need.
Bring wisdom to doctors.
Give understanding to scientists.
Endow caregivers with compassion and generosity.
Bring healing to those who are ill.
Stabilise our communities.
Unite us in our compassion.
Remove all fear from our hearts.
Fill us with confidence in Your care.
(mention your particular concerns and prayers now)
Jesus, I trust in You.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Amen.

Intercessions

Let us pray for those who are suffering in the current outbreak of sickness, and for the happy repose of all who have died from this sickness in recent weeks. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for parishioners who are anxious and fearful and isolated: that through prayer and action we will respond to their needs with the compassion of the Divine Physician. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for scientists, healthcare professionals, public officials, and all who are serving the common good in this difficult and uncertain time, that they will be filled with wisdom and understanding. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let us pray that in times of illness our merciful and loving Father will strengthen our faith and trust in his goodness and divine providence. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Novena Prayer to our Mother for an end to the Coronavirus Pandemic

O Mary, full of grace, Mother of the Church, in this time of illness and worldwide need we seek your intercession for the human family before your Son’s throne of grace and mercy. We ask for strength in adversity, health in weakness, and comfort in sorrow. Help us, O Blessed Mother, to be filled with confidence and trust in the tender compassion of our God. Let us not be afraid. Continue to watch over all who are sick, as well as those who care for them, and give wisdom to all who are seeking a cure. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

….Finally, we are invited to hear words of strengthening and encouragement from Pope Francis during this time of anxiety and hope: