REMEMBERING ANOTHER EPIDEMIC

REMEMBERING BEING SPARED IN THE SMALLPOX EPIDEMIC OF 1871

                                  photo from the Saint Meinrad ON THE HILL newsletter Sping 2020

Father Christian Raab, a monk of Saint Meinrad, leads a pilgrimage to Monte Cassino Shrine to pray for those affected by the caronavirus on March 13, 2020. Seminarians made a similar pilgrimage in 1871 when small pox threatened the community. 

The present shrine was built later in thanksgiving for the community being spared. 

My friend, Jim Patterson II, and I worked on the restoration of the shrine in 2017. It was re-dedicated on October 1, 2017.  He sponsored the chapel itself (above) in honor of his mother. I sponsored the prayer garden on the right of the chapel (below) in honor of my mother. 

A PRAYER DURING THE CARONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

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, heal us.