The Catholic Church today, 11 February, marks the annual day of Prayer for the Sick, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The theme of this year’s observance is “Take care of him: Compassion as a synodal exercise of healing”, drawn from the Gospel of Luke on the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
To read Pope Francis' message please click the following link, 31th World Day of the Sick 2023 | Francis (vatican.va)
Prayer for the Sick
Blessed are You, Father of all gifts.
I praise and thank you for the gift of life which I
share with my brothers and sisters.
I especially praise and thank you for the life
You give us in Jesus, whose suffering, death, and
resurrection has shown the power of Your Love
to overcome all limits.
Father, I pray for the gifts of grace and healing
for all who are ill (myself, my patient).
Father, I pray for the gifts of wisdom and
strength for caregivers (my own, or myself).
If we feel afraid, give us courage.
If we feel dejected, give us hope.
If we feel burdened, give us patience.
If we feel alone, show us the Body of Christ.
I ask this in Jesus' name.
Amen.
By Rev. Francis Zlotkowski CSC
© 2023 NACC
A Prayer for the Caregiver
Singing Soul
God of all –
Our days are short,
the hours, brief.
The world is fast, loud, and shifting.
Time whirls and celebrations arise.
Crisis’s too, bubble up into endless hours.
Our pressing call, to help and calm.
Time is what God gives.
As the days and months churn,
new events burst on the scene,
need for help is present, beckoning, and persisting.
May we, with our perspective and behaviours,
gifts and experience,
turn our eyes, ears, and hearts to you
as we care for the infirm and ill.
As the days emerge,
fresh and new
may our efforts be that of Your hands,
Your heart, and intention.
Your depth and meaning we cannot ignore,
giving breath to our past, and allowing
each new hour, Our soul to sing.
Amen.
By Debby Bradley
© 2023 NACC
