March 29, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ,
Today, I am extending a special request to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond to join me in prayer for our Holy Father, Pope Francis during his hospitalization for a respiratory infection. Pope Francis often speaks about the power of prayer and time and time again he has entrusted himself to our prayers. Let us once again pray for him during this time of need. We pray for a quick and full recovery and walk with him to overcome this health issue. Please join me in saying Pope Francis’ own prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick,
O Mary,
You shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who, at the foot of the cross,
were united with Jesus’ suffering,
and persevered in your faith.
“Protectress of the Roman people”,
you know our needs,and we know that you will provide,
so that, as at Cana in Galilee,joy and celebration may return
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the will of the Father
and to do what Jesus tells us.
For he took upon himself our suffering,
and burdened himself with our sorrows to bring us, through the cross,
to the joy of the Resurrection.
Amen.
May the Good Lord bless Pope Francis.
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend William E. Lori
Archbishop of Baltimore