saint anne parish · 2020-05-17 · saint anne parish 20 boston road southborough, ma 01772 parish...
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SAINT ANNE PARISH 20 Boston Road Southborough, MA 01772
Parish Contact Information
Office Hours, Monday ~ Thursday 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Friday ~ 9:30 am to noon Telephone 508-485-0141
Fax 508-460-0181
E-mail:
[email protected] Web: www.stannesouthborough.org
Pastor
Fr. Albert Irudayasamy, [email protected]
Parish Council
George Stagno ~ Chair
Finance Committee Rich Flathers ~ Chair
Religious Education Director of Religious Education:
Monica Shay [email protected]
Parish Office Manager Melissa Shields
[email protected] Linda Bradstreet (on leave)
Bookkeeper Bridgitte Morgan
Music Ministry Organist & Choir Director:
Paul Crivello 508-366-0821 [email protected]
Maintenance Matt Bernier
Amy Buttiglieri ~ Webmaster [email protected]
We welcome all visitors to St. Anne Parish. If you would like to join our faith
community, please call the Parish Office to register:
508-485-0141
ST. ANNE PARISH MISSION STATEMENT
We, the people of St. Anne Parish, Southborough, in the Diocese of Worcester are called through Baptism to become one faith family. We commit ourselves to embody the presence of Christ in Word and Sacrament; by using our ministries to welcome all who are seeking Jesus
and to share in the life and work of our Catholic faith. In the spirit and truth of the Holy Trinity, we will use our time, talents and treasure to answer God’s command to love one
another as He has loved us, in holy worship, prayer, Catechetical formation for all, evangelization and service to others.
Please note that due to COVID-19 concerns all
Masses and church-related gatherings
within the Diocese of Worcester are
suspended until further notice.
Please contact the Parish Office for
questions about when receiving or scheduling
of any of the Sacraments will be
resumed. Thank you.
Let us all keep each other in our prayers.
Parish Contact Information For pastoral considerations and for
the health of our staff, the Parish Office is closed until further notice. If you need to contact a staff member
please call the parish office at: Telephone 508-485-0141
Fax 508-460-0181
E-mail:
Web: www.stannesouthborough.org
Sixth Sunday of Easter may 17, 2020
"For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be God’s will,
than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:17)
The old line says “if you want to make God laugh, tell him your
plans.” Many of us are diligent in our planning and making sure
things are progressing smoothly. Then disaster strikes, we don’t get the result that was intended
or an unforeseen problem arises. Many times we may respond negatively and ask, “Why me? I did everything right!” Here’s the thing – adversity humbles us and
reminds us of our dependence on God and not on our own self-reliance. Rest assured, God has
a better plan in store for you.
WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULE
with MASS INTENTIONS (May 17 - May 24)
Saturday 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. Mass Intentions
will be included in the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.
SUNDAY 17 10:30 am For Bill MacIver (4th
Anniversary) by Nancy Levangie
MONDAY 18 9:00 am Denise and James Cariani by Peter Cariani
TUESDAY 19 9:00 am Margaret Ann Hostage by her family
WEDNESDAY 20 9:00 am Joan Buttiglieri by Millie and Jim Garden
7:00 pm Ascension of the Lord For all St. Anne parishioners
THURSDAY 21 9:00 am Tom Livingstone by Barbara and Matthew Malloy
SUNDAY 24 10:30 am Claire and Jim Giblin by Elaine Yetman
Parish Information & Announcements
The 2020 Partners in Charity Appeal will be ongoing through June and
continues to need your support. Our parish goal is $76,000. Our current parish
contribution to the Partners in Charity Appeal is $40,758. If it is possible for
you, please complete your pledge envelope, indicating your gift or pledge. It is important for all of us who can to
participate in order to support our mission as a diocese. Please be as generous as possible. If you have already made a gift to the 2020 appeal we thank you. Your gift will help us in reaching our parish goal. You can also make your gift
online at www.partners-charity.net.
All Religious Education classes, meetings, and retreats are
suspended until further notice.
The Confirmation Mass scheduled for March 29th and the FC Mass scheduled for Sunday, May 3rd have been
postponed indefinitely.
Rescheduling options will be communicated as soon as they are available.
St. Anne Masses:
Father Albert is livestreaming daily and Sunday Masses through our parish website!
• Go to parish webpage: www.stannesouthborough.org.
• Scroll down to “ECatholic Live: St. Anne Southborough”. See logo on right. Or click on Quick Link in box on the right of web homepage.
• Click on the arrow in the middle of the logo at 10:30 a.m. for Sunday Mass - all weekend Mass Intentions will be included in this Mass.
St. Anne Parish Livestreamed Daily and Sunday Masses
An Act of 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 into 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.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Prayer Shawl members are working from home knitting and crocheting for anyone who is ill or suffering
who might welcome a blessed and comforting prayer shawl. Please call the Parish Office if in need.
Also this week Prayer Shawl members knitted and crocheted 99 mask extenders for the staff of
Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley. Thank you to Tanya R. for the need reach out.
Annette Buhsmer, Chair
New Electric Stoves in the Parish Hall
St. Anne Parish ministries now have new kitchen stoves available for their use, that is, once we are safe to gather again. The new electric stoves include a total of three ovens and 8 stove top burners. Thank you to all involved in making this update possible. No more pilot lights to ignite. (The old gas oven was given to Buffet Way Catering for the cost of hauling it away.)
The Feast of Ascension of the Lord will be celebrated on May 21st. We will have a
livestreamed Vigil Mass on Wednesday, May 20th at 7 p.m. We will also have livestreamed Mass on Thursday, May 21st at 9 a.m. as usual.
Knights of Columbus College Scholarship Fund
Do you need money for college? The graduating high school seniors of St. Matthew and St. Anne Parishes who plan to attend an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2020 are eligible to apply for a scholarship from the 8th Annual Knights of Columbus College Scholarship Fund.
The Southborough Knights of Columbus will be awarding three $500 scholarships.
Please download the application form off the Knights of Columbus website at kofcsouthborough.com or from your parish website. A copy of the application is also included in this bulletin. All applications must be submitted by 5/31/2020.
Prayer Sponsorship
With postponement of Confirmation and First Communion Masses due to Covid-19, prayer
sponsors are asked to continue praying for our young St. Anne students. Wish to send a note to your prayer sponsoree? Email the Parish Office or
[email protected] to have your note forwarded to your prayer sponsoree.
Part-Time Parish Secretary St. Mary of the Hills, Boylston, MA
Saint Mary of the Hills in Boylston is looking for a Parish Secretary for 20-24 hours per week. Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) answering phones/emails; updating parish website; creating parish bulletins; bookkeeping including, payroll, external bill payments, diocesan financials; maintaining timely communication with diocese; mailing periodic collateral to parishioners; scheduling sacraments (baptisms, marriages, funerals); organizing various parish committees; and ordering office supplies. A successful candidate will have an
appreciation for the Catholic faith and a knowledge of various software programs. Experience in Quickbooks, Paychex, and Power Church is a plus. Please contact for more information 508-869-6771.
OUR FATHER’S TABLE
St. Anne parishioners will be providing ready-to-go meals from a local business for Our Father’s Table (OFT) patrons on
Thursday, May 28 at 4:30 p.m. St. Anne parishioners can sign up to sponsor a meal or a Family Pack (4 meals), to contribute sliced bread, or to contribute a dessert. Signup Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4ba4aa23a7fa7-ourfathers19
Part-Time General Bookkeeping Position St. John Cemetery, Worcester, MA
General bookkeeping position, PT 28 — 30 hours per week with benefits. Associates Degree preferred/High School Diploma with experience. Strong knowledge of accounts payable with 1-3 years A/P experience. Code and enter AP invoices into payable system. Follow up on tax exempt status with vendors as necessary. Attention to detail and good analysis skills necessary. Accounts Receivable — monitor accounts/review
and send out monthly statements/review late accounts. Post payments to customer accounts and process bank deposits including reconciling. Month end reconciliation of A/R and other functions and other Miscellaneous bookkeeping duties as needed. $16-$20 per hour based on experience. Send resume to Robert Ackerman, St. John Cemetery, 260 Cambridge St., Worcester, MA 01603 or email [email protected].
Parish Information and Diocesan Job Opportunities
Do you have a faith experience that you would be willing to share with your St. Anne parish family?
Have you experienced a time or moment when hope seemed futile, but your faith gave comfort
and strength?
If so, please send your faith story to Father Albert at [email protected] or 508-485-0141.
Each week a faith experience will be shared in the bulletin to encourage, inspire, and lift spirits.
Ministries & Stewardship
Lorraine R. (Trudeau) Fricault
May her soul rest in peace.
We also pray for her family as they grieve the loss of their loved one.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK:
Sr. Yvette, Faith Stephens, Jan & Charlie Mangana, Danielle Taylor, Jamie Farley, Stephanie McMahon, Rachel Knoll, Brad Arsenault, Paine Family, Lavallee Family, Marilou A. Custodio, Melinda O’Connor, Susan Davis, Scott Broussard, Paul Brodeur, Kenny Cassidy, Colleen Manning, Simone Almeida, Pat Austin, Phil Auzenne, Alexandra Barr, Carolyn Green, (Red) Weir, Zenta Franz, Denise Perrin, Katie Lutz, Judi Shea, Larochelle Family, Barbara Peterson, Gertrude Wallace, Judy Christian, Jeanne Walker, Dianne Higgins, Millie Garden, Dorothy Reid, Yvonne Allain, Dewey Morton, Michael Santella, Carol Dunn, Stephen Brown, Kristine Livingstone, Rita Babino, Carolyn Connors, Jan Peterson, Reno Morra, Trent Vaughn, Arron Anderson, Peter Pino, Amy Richardson, Kathy, Andrea Furtado, Rick Davis, Fran, Carol Cory, Cecile, Keith Whipple, Seminarian Alex Quach, Pat Moran, Sarah, Maryjayne Carey, Fr. Leo, Patricia, Ryan, Shelia, Linda Bradstreet, Keith Whipple, Faith Stephen, Pat, Linda, Paul, Dan Nicole, James, Fr. Thirburse F. Millot, Bill Gittins, Claudia Webster, Katie Kulik, Jackie Di Buono, Elaine Arrison, Rachel Attaway, Matthew, Susan Cioppa, Anne Comcowich, Beth Stephens, Lillian Franco, Mary Hunt, Hans, Elisabel Borreani, Peg Nicosia, and Michele Fuller, Dr. Malgorzata McMasters (Covid-19 Healing), Karla Nash (Covid-19 Healing), Tom Livingstone (Healing)..
Want to add your name or the name(s) of others to the Prayers for the Sick listing? Please email the names to the
Parish Office at [email protected].
PARISH STEWARDSHIP REPORTS FOR::
Through May 10, 2020
Weekly Offering ……………………….….... $4,390.00 Capital Improvements ………...…..…...……. $ 195.00 Holy Day ...…....…..….....…..….....…..….....…. $ 20.00
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING GENEROUS SUPPORT, ESPECIALLY
DURING THIS GLOBAL PANDEMIC.
Online Giving: St. Anne Parish partners with WeShare for on-line giving. WeShare allows both onetime gifts, as well as
regular, scheduled donations. Please visit our Parish website www.stannesouthborough.org for the link to WeShare.com or call 1-800-950-9952 and use option 1 to answer any questions.
St. Anne’s Website: With our website we have an additional resource for online giving and online CE registration. St. Anne
Parish partners with eCatholic and BluePay for easy on-line giving. Our one-step on-line form allows both one-time gifts, as
well as regular, scheduled donations. Please visit our Parish website www.stannesouthborough.org and select the Quick Link
to the BluePay On-Line Giving page.
Thank you to parishioners who are using Online Giving. Parishioners who use the service seem pleased with how easy it is to set up and manage. If you have not yet signed up for Online Giving, please consider this option. By using Online Giving you
are helping our parish improve our operational efficiency.
United Parishes of Southborough Food Pantry A HUGE thank you to everyone who continues to support the Southborough Food Pantry. The
number of our clients has increased over the past month as has the needs of all our clients. Thanks to you, we
are able to meet their needs. You truly put into action Christ’s message to “feed the hungry” and to “give comfort to my
people”. Thank you so very much on behalf of the Southborough Food Pantry.
As of May 8, the Pantry is in need of:
As most food items are date sensitive, please be sure that your
donation is not out of date. Donations may be left in the foyer of St, Anne Parish Hall. If you know of anyone who could benefit from the Food Pantry,
especially during this time of Covid-19, please encourage them to contact the Food Pantry. The Food Pantry will remain open with special procedures to ensure the safety of our clients
and volunteers. See the precautions in place outlined in a letter sent to the Pantry clients on a following page..
Pantry hours (located at Pilgrim Church) for CLIENTS are Thursdays from 6:30-7:15 p.m. and
Fridays from 9:45-10:15 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Donations also can be left in bins outside the pantry door at Pilgrim Church anytime other than client hours listed above. Donated items are then quarantined off-
site for 9 days per order of the Southborough Board of Health.
Pat Draper, St. Anne Parish Coordinator
• Cranberry Juice • Spinach • Cereal • Stewed Tomatoes • Corned Beef Hash • SPAM • Honey • Molasses
• Condensed Milk • Ramen Noodles -
Chicken • Crackers • Cookies • Tin Foil • Plastic Wrap
The SYFS would like Southborough families to know that it is available to help people through hardship.
The Southborough Emergency Fund is not an income eligible program. Please see the SYFS flyer included for details.
ST. ANNE RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS
St. Anne Parish is committed to the health and well-being of our people and community. We are closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and following the recommended actions from state and local government authorities and the directives of Bishop McManus. The following steps need to be taken to protect our well-being. In compliance and response to our government and church directives the following limits have been placed on church activities at St Anne Parish until further notice:
1. All public celebrations of Mass and other liturgical gatherings will be suspended. The obligation to take part
in the Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is thereby lifted. While St. Anne Church will continue to be open for personal prayer from Mondays to Fridays (9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), we encourage everyone to follow social distancing (six feet from others - further if prolonged contact). When you enter the church, you will notice that we have reserved a few pews with ropes. Please use the pews that are not reserved so that it would be easy for us to clean them with sanitizers/wipes. There are many opportunities to share in the celebration of Mass on-line. The Diocese of Worcester provides excellent resources at https://worcesterdiocese.org.
2. Funeral Masses may be celebrated only with the immediate family and limited to fifteen people with the
appropriate provisions for social distancing. We will work closely with families so that their celebration may be prayerful, personal and safe.
3. Marriage Preparation continues online. One of our required courses for engaged couples, the one-day God's
Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage seminar, will held online instead of in person until social distancing requirements are lifted. Couples who had registered for the May 23 session have been notified that the seminar will now be taking place virtually. Registration for May is now closed. We have added an extra seminar on June 20, also to be held online, and registration will remain open until June 6. Any couples who are preparing for an upcoming marriage and have not yet attended this required program are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Registration forms and instructions can be found on our website www.worcesterdiocese.org/marriage-preparation.
4. Weddings may be celebrated only with the immediate family and witnesses with no more than twenty people
attending. We will assist families if they need to postpone weddings to a future date.
5. Individual Baptisms may be celebrated with the immediate family and godparents with no more than twenty people attending and appropriate social distancing maintained. We will work personally with each family to assure a safe and joyous celebration of the sacrament.
6. Pastoral care of the sick will continue by specially trained priests. The Sacrament of Anointing for the sick, the quarantined, and the dying can only be offered by specially trained and professionally protected priests from each area. This care will be their only responsibility during this critical time. All pastoral and in-home visits are suspended.
7. The Sacrament of Penance may be available during Saturdays between 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to do confession at other times. We will strictly follow the guidelines of social distancing and, if needed, wear masks. During this situation, we also encourage you to follow the guidance on making a perfect Act of Contrition, which can be found by clicking this link. Perfect Act of Contrition.
Masters of Monastic Tradition – a Program for Men in Undergraduate and Graduate Studies
Join the Saint Benedict Institute from August 16-22, 2020 for a week of intensive study, recreation, and monastic prayer for men in undergraduate and graduate studies. The Masters of Monastic Tradition program will be led by guest professors of theology and philosophy from Catholic University of America and will give attendants the chance to better understand the thought of the founder of monasticism, St. Benedict of Nursia, in the contemplative setting of St. Benedict Abbey in Still River, Massachusetts. Those interested in applying or who would like to learn more should visit the St. Benedict Institute website: abbey.org/visit/saint-benedict-institute
United Parishes of Southborough, Inc. Food Pantry c/o Pilgrim Church
P.O. Box 281 15 Common Street
Southborough, MA 01772 [email protected]
508-485-4847
Dear Food Pantry Clients, In this changing environment, due to the increased impact of the Corona Virus, we are once again implementing a new procedure effective immediately for your safety as well as the safety of all our volunteers. We will continue this procedure as long as we are able. The new schedule for the Southborough Food Pantry will be: Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:15 p.m. (Clients only, please!) Friday mornings from 9:45-10:15 a.m. (Clients only, please!) Please note: we will not be open on Tuesday evenings. By 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, please provide us by e-mail ([email protected]) a list of your needs, being as specific as possible. Give us a preference for the meat you would like. We will fill it if we have it or when you pick up your order, we will offer you an alternative meat selection. If you do not have access to an e-mail, please call us at 508-485-4847, wait for the Pantry prompt and then leave your name and phone number. We will call you back to get your order. When you come to the Pantry on Thursday evening or Friday morning, please park adjacent to the building. Remain in your car. Pop your trunk or leave your rear passenger side door unlocked. We will bring your order to your car. IMPORTANT: This pick up service is for all clients unless you are sick or personally unable to get to the Pantry. For these clients, we will deliver to your outside door or patio. We thank all of you for your cooperation. We pray that the impact of this virus will quickly come to an end. Sincerely, The Food Pantry Coordinators Please keep these times for Pantry Clients only. Donations can be made at any other time by leaving items in bins by the pantry door at Pilgrim Church (or at local parish collection sites). Please secure donation bin lid, especially during inclement weather. Items left in bins are then quarantined off-site for a duration of 9 days by order of the Board of Health to minimize exposure risks.
Readings and Gospel for Sixth Sunday of Easter
READING I Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed or crippled people were cured. There was great joy in that city.
Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
The Word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM - Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
R. (1) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name; proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!” R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. “Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you, sing praise to your name!” Come and see the works of God, his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam. R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. He has changed the sea into dry land; through the river they passed on foot; therefore let us rejoice in him. He rules by his might forever. R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness! R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
READING II 1 Peter 3:15-18 A reading from the first Letter of Saint Peter
Beloved: Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.
For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the Spirit. The Word of the Lord.
GOSPEL - John 14:15-21 A reading from the holy Gospel according to John Jesus said to his disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” The Gospel of the Lord.
Sixth Sunday of Easter Year A
May 17, 2020 Ann Naffziger
Reading I: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
Reading II: 1 Peter 3:15-18 Gospel: John 14:15-21
While much of the book of Acts of the Apostles follows the work and travels of Peter and Paul, today’s passage tells us that other believers were doing healing work in Jesus’ name too. In this case, Philip ventured out of the Jewish crowds to go to the city of Samaria, a place that historically many Jews avoided. Samaritans shared some of the history and beliefs of the Jews but were seen as traitors to the faith, partly because they refused to go to Jerusalem for worship. That didn’t phase Philip or slow God’s work, though, because the Samaritans eagerly received “the word of God” and became believers in Christ too. The story has echoes of the Samaritans who quickly came to believe in Jesus after the woman at the well introduced them to him. This Gospel reading picks up just a few verses after last week’s Gospel left off. Jesus is still speaking to the disciples on the night before he dies. The disciples are still worried and concerned by Jesus’ predictions of betrayal and denial. Jesus continues to reassure them, now introducing the promise of the Holy Spirit, sometimes called the “Advocate” or the “Paraclete”. Just as Jesus explained to Philip in last Sunday’s Gospel reading (that Philip already knew the Father because Philip knew Jesus), he explains that the apostles also already know the Spirit. Like those confused disciples, we might first protest that we don’t know the Spirit either. If we pay attention to our experiences, though, and think back to times when we have instinctively known the truth or what was the right thing to do, we can spot how the Spirit was with us. Maybe we had a flash of insight, or someone said something that we instantly recognize as right for us, or we had an unexplained experience of comfort or strength in a difficult situation. Those experiences are experiences of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, present and working within us. Questions of the Week 1. When have you had an experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence or guidance,
even if you didn’t recognize it at the time? 2. When have you had an experience of feeling peace, comfort, or strength
despite an outward struggle you were experiencing?
Prayer in Time of Pandemic
O God, Whose only begotten Son bore the
weight of human suffering for our salvation, hear the prayers of your Church
for our sick brothers and sisters and deliver us from this time of trial. Open our
ears and our hearts to the voice of your Son: Be not afraid, for I am with you
always.
Bless all doctors and nurses, researchers and public servants; give us the wisdom to
do what is right and the faith to endure this hour, that we might gather once again to praise your name in the heart of your
Church, delivered from all distress and confident in your Mercy.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Pope Francis has composed two prayers asking for the Blessed Mother's intercession in bringing an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. He is asking
that these prayers be prayed at the conclusion of the Rosary.
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.
Pope Francis’ Prayers to the Blessed Mother
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.
“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 realize that we are all members of one great family and to recognize 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.
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