Pope, shrines around the world recite the Rosary asking for an end to the pandemic

Scores of women and men recited the decades of the Rosary on behalf of various groups of people particularly affected by the virus.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Thousands of shrines in every continent today recited the Rosary along with Pope Francis in order to call for an end to the pandemic. Francis placed flowers on the first altar built in the grotto devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens.

In his prayer, Francis urged Mary to “turn your merciful eyes onto us during this coronavirus pandemic, and console those who are lost and weeping for their dearly deceased, sometimes laid to rest in ways that hurt the soul. Give support to the people distressed by being kept away from the sick to prevent contagion. Instil confidence in those who are anxious about the uncertain future and the consequences for the economy and work.

“Mother of God and our Mother, for us beseech God, Father of mercy, to end this harsh trial and bring back a horizon of hope and peace. Like in Cana, intreat your Son Jesus, and ask him to comfort the families of the sick and the deceased, and open their hearts to trust.

“Protect doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, and volunteers who are at the forefront of this emergency, putting their lives at risk to save other lives. Accompany their efforts and give them strength, kindness and health. Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, priests and consecrated persons who, with pastoral concern and evangelical commitment, try to help and give support everyone.

“Holy Virgin, enlighten the minds of the men and women of science, that they may find the right solutions to vanquish the disease. Help the leaders of countries, that they may act with wisdom, speed and generosity, delivering assistance to those who lack the basics to live, and finding social and economic solutions with foresight and a spirit of solidarity.”

“Most Holy Mother, touch minds and hearts so that the large sums used to increase and perfect weapons may be devoted instead to promote proper research into preventing similar catastrophes in the future.

“Beloved mother, strengthen our sense of belonging to a single large family in the world, conscious of of the bond that unites us all, so that, with a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity, we may help the many people living in poverty and in situations of deprivation. Encourage our steadfastness in the faith, our perseverance in serving, and our constancy in prayers.

“Mother of Mercy, with your sweet and maternal gaze, guide the steps of the pilgrims who wish to come to you in the various shrines dedicated to you in the world, whatever they may be, listen to their prayers and be a safe guide to each and everyone one.

“O Mary, consoler of the afflicted, embrace all of your troubled children and prevail on the Merciful Father to intervene with his almighty hand to free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life may serenely resume its daily course.”

A number of women and men recited the decades of the Rosary, in representation of various groups of people particularly affected by the virus. They included a pulmonologist, from the San Filippo Neri hospital, and a nurse, who represented front-line healthcare staff in hospitals; a patient who recovered and a person who lost a relative who stood in for the people personally affected by suffering; a priest, the chaplain at Spallanzani hospital, and a religious Sister, who works as a nurse, in representation of the men and women of the cloth and all consecrated persons who are close to the sick. They were followed by a pharmacist and a journalist who represented those who remained on duty to serve others; a civil protection volunteer with his family, representing emergency staff and volunteers; and lastly a young family, with a newly born child, who symbolised hope.

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