This page was created to keep us updated about the news from the local parishes in our Deanery. It’s constantly being updated.
Chatham – St Michael’s Parish
Parkwood – St Augustine’s Parish
Prayer of Pope Francis to Our Lady during the Covid-19 Pandemic
“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 front-line 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.