Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference
As people of faith we are called to face the fears of this moment with a courage not our own and with a generous heart. God is with his people in good times and bad. Like believers in every age we say: ‘If I should walk in The Valley of Darkness no evil would I fear for You are there’.
The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference have a marvellous page of Prayer and Suggestions for use during the current crisis
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Knock Shrine broadcasts daily Masses online and will send out Mass cards.
In addition, a National Novena to Our Lady of Knock began on St Patrick’s Day and continues to the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25.
“We invite everyone to join with us for the Novena in which we pray for a swift end to the corona virus, Covid-19, the protection of all people against it, all who are ill at this time and all medical and civil authorities dealing with the virus.” -Knock Shrine
Archbishop Eamon Martin is inviting Priests and Bishops to join with him, after the Angelus on the Feast of Annunciation, 25 March, in consecrating Ireland and her people to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for protection from the Coronavirus.
The Shrine is inviting Catholics to join online from Knock Shrine for two sessions daily:
12 noon, for the Angelus Mass and Novena prayers;
7.00pm for Rosary, Mass and Novena prayers followed by Eucharistic blessing.
You can also join in the Novena by writing an online petition and lighting a candle which will then be lit at the Shrine for you.
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Prayer for our protection
We ask for prayers for those affected by the Coronavirus. Placing all our trust in the Lord, and asking Our Lady to intercede for us, we invite everyone to pray these prayers:
Extract from Saint Patrick’s Breastplate
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer. Amen.