# Novena to the Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick
*2015-11-12*

> Bill Young reflects on the martyrdom of St. Josaphat and leads a prayer for the sick and the health of Pope Francis.

## The Martyrdom of St. Josaphat

Today is Thursday, November 12th, the feast day of St. Josaphat. Born in Poland, he was one of the earliest Polish bishops. Being a bishop in the 17th century was difficult work. St. Josaphat remained steadfast in his alliance with Rome, which unfortunately brought him into conflict with the locals. He was eventually attacked in his home, shot, and his body was thrown into a lake. He stands as one of the first martyrs in Poland.

## Prayers for our Shepherd

Looking ahead, Pope Francis plans to visit Poland next year for World Youth Day, where he intends to visit Auschwitz. Today, we pray specifically for the health of Pope Francis. He is our shepherd and we are the sheep; the sheep need him more than the shepherd needs us. Heavenly Father, please keep our shepherd for us in his time of great need.

## Novena to the Health of the Sick

We begin the novena to the Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, observed from November 12th through the 20th. We open with the call: 'O God, come to my aid; O Lord, make haste to help me,' followed by the Glory Be and the Apostles' Creed.

O Virgin Mary, who are invoked by the name Health of the Sick, because you are the mother of our Savior Jesus, grant me the grace of health for my soul, and the souls of my friends, my Pope, and my bishops and priests. Allow me to remain in the grace of God and to receive the Holy Sacraments.

## Finding Strength in Suffering

O Virgin Mary, who always listens with mercy to the laments of those who suffer, obtain from the Lord the grace for me to bear my sufferings with patience. Help me to understand that great treasures of wisdom and goodness are hidden within them.

Virgin Mary, invoked as the Health of the Sick, you are the comforter of the afflicted and the health for those who are ill. Grant me the grace of physical and mental health, if it be according to the holy will of God, healing me from present evils and giving me strength to carry out the duties of my state of life. I also pray for my friends John and Roseanne, who are homebound.

*We turn to the Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, to seek both spiritual and physical healing according to the holy will of God.*