PRAYER TO OUR LORD FOR THE GRACE OF HEALING AND PROTECTION

Lord Jesus Christ, you travelled 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 health and strength.

Heal us from our fear, which prevents neighbors from helping one another.

Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.

Good Lord, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

May those who have died from the virus rest in peace and rise in glory.

Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair.

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 prudence and charity for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve.

Stay with us, Lord, and grant us your peace.

Amen.

PRAYERS IN TIME OF EPIDEMIC AND PLAGUE

(Adapted from Rituale Romanum, Titulus IX, Caput X)

Priest (or whoever is leading the prayers): Deal not with us, Lord, as our sins deserve.

All: Nor take vengeance on us for our transgressions.

P: Help us, O God, our Saviour.

All: And deliver us, O Lord, for your name's sake.

P: Lord, do not keep in mind our former sins.

All: Let us soon know your compassion, for we are exceedingly poor.

P: St. Sebastian, pray for us.

All: That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.

P: Lord, hear my prayer.

All: And let my cry come before you.

Let us pray.

Hear us, O God, our Saviour, and by the prayers of glorious Mary, Mother of God, and ever-Virgin, of St. Sebastian, your martyr, and of all the saints, deliver your people from the present affliction, and in your bounty let them feel certain of your mercy.

Lord, mercifully heed our supplications, and heal our infirmities of body and soul; so that knowing your forgiveness we may ever rejoice in your blessing.

All: Amen.

PRAYERS IN TIME OF ANY TRIBULATION

(Adapted from Rituale Romanum, Titulus IX, Caput XII)

Priest (or whoever is leading the prayers): Our Father … And lead us not into temptation.

All: But deliver us from evil.

Then Psalm 19 (20) - click here for the text - is said; or, in place of it, Psalm 90 (91) - click here for the text.
After the psalm the priest continues:

P: God is our refuge and our strength.

All: A helper in all tribulations.

P: Lord, save your servants.

All: Who trust in you, my God.

P: O holy God! O holy strong One! O holy immortal

All: Have mercy on us.

P: Help us, O God, our Saviour.

All: And deliver us, O Lord, for the glory of your name.

P: Lord, hear my prayer.

All: And let my cry come before you.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, do not disdain your people who cry to you in their affliction, but for the glory of your name be pleased to help us who are so sorely troubled. Show us, O Lord, your inexpressible mercy and blot out our transgressions.

We entreat you, Lord God, grant us, your servants, the enjoyment of lasting health of body and mind; and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, free us from present sorrow and give us everlasting joy.

Graciously hear us, O Lord, in our tribulation, and heed the holy prayers of your Church, and grant that we fully obtain whatever we ask for in faith; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

PRAY to the IMmaculate heart of mary

In the Immaculate Heart of Mary I trust.
Look to the Star,
Call upon Mary!
In danger, in difficulty
or in doubt,
think of Mary,
call upon Mary,
Keep her name on your lips,
Never let it pass out of your heart.
Following in her footsteps,
you will not go astray:
praying to her,
you will not
fall into despair:
thinking of her you will not err.
While she keeps hold of your hand,
you will not fall,
you will not grow weary,
you will have no fear.
Enjoying her protection,
you will reach the goal.

A PRAYER AGAINST PLAGUE FROM THE 17TH CENTURY:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we who in your name seek the grace of your protection, through the intercession of Blessed Mary ever-Virgin, your saints Sebastian, Adrian, Anthony, Roch, Benno, and of all the saints, having been freed from plague, and sudden death, may serve you with untroubled minds. Amen.

A prayer to St. Sebastian:

Saint Sebastian, guard and defend us, morning and evening, every minute of every hour, and diminish the strength of that vile illness which is threatening us. We put our trust in God, in our Lady, and in you, holy martyr. Be with us always, and by your merits and prayers keep us safe and sound and protect us. Commend us to the Blessed Trinity, so that when we die we may have our everlasting reward: to behold God in the company of all the saints. Amen.