Photo story: Pope Francis celebrates Mass at Santa Marta House
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A handout picture provided by the Vatican Media shows Pope Francis celebrating Mass at Santa Marta House, Vatican City, 12 March 2020.
Pope Francis has written an open letter, published in Padua’s daily newspaper, expressing his prayer and closeness to all those suffering as result of the Covid-19 Coronavirus.
The Pope also offered a prayer to the Virgin Mary on Wednesday afternoon, to mark the Diocese of Rome’s day of prayer and fasting for the coronavirus emergency.
In his prayer, Pope Francis calls Mary “Health of the Sick”, adding that she kept her faith firm as she stood near the Cross as Jesus suffered.
“You, Salvation of the Roman people, know what we need, and we trust that you will provide for those needs so that – as at Cana of Galilee – joy and celebration may return after this moment of trial.”
The Pope also said we seek refuge under Our Lady’s protection, knowing that she will help us “conform ourselves to the will of the Father”.
An English-language translation of the Pope’s prayer is below:
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain,
with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.
We are certain that you will provide, so that,
as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father’s will
and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us,
through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
