“Almighty and merciful Father, who shows your love to all creation, we come before you asking for a quick control of the Coronavirus currently ravaging our world.
“Hear graciously the prayers we make for those affected by the virus in various parts of the world.
“Grant healing to the sick, eternal life to the dead and consolation to the bereaved families.
“We pray that an effective medicine to combat the sickness be speedily found.
“We pray for the relevant Governments and Health Authorities that they take appropriate steps for the good of the people.
“Look upon us in your mercy and forgive us our fallings.
“We ask this through our Lord Jesus.’’
By the Catholic Bishops of Africa
The Catholic Bishops of Africa have composed a prayer for the faithful against the raging novel coronavirus epidemic. The prayer is a supplication to God for His mercy and protection against the virus. It is also a prayer for healing for the sick, eternal life for the dead, and consolation for the bereaved. The prayer concludes with a request for God’s forgiveness for our sins.
The prayer begins by acknowledging God’s sovereignty and omnipotence. The bishops recognize that God is the creator and sustainer of all things, and that He is ultimately in control of the pandemic. They then ask God to hear their prayers for those who are affected by the virus. They pray for healing for the sick, eternal life for the dead, and consolation for the bereaved.
The bishops also pray for the relevant governments and health authorities. They ask that these authorities take appropriate steps to combat the virus and to protect the people. Finally, the bishops pray for God’s forgiveness for our sins. They recognize that we are all sinners, and that our sins have contributed to the current situation. They ask God to forgive us so that we may be reconciled to Him and to one another.
The prayer of the Catholic Bishops of Africa is a powerful and moving expression of faith and hope in the midst of a global pandemic. It is a reminder that God is always with us, even in the midst of our darkest moments. It is also a reminder that we are called to be a people of prayer and compassion, even in the face of adversity.
The prayer is also a reminder of the importance of the sacraments, especially the sacrament of reconciliation. The sacrament of reconciliation is a gift from God that allows us to be forgiven for our sins and to be reconciled to Him and to one another. In the midst of a pandemic, it is more important than ever to avail ourselves of this sacrament.
The prayer of the Catholic Bishops of Africa is a call to action. It is a call for us to pray for those who are affected by the virus, to support the relevant governments and health authorities, and to be a people of compassion and mercy. It is also a call for us to be reconciled to God and to one another through the sacrament of reconciliation.
Let us pray with the Catholic Bishops of Africa for an end to the pandemic and for the healing of those who are affected by it. Let us also pray for the relevant governments and health authorities, and for the forgiveness of our sins. May God bless us all and keep us safe.