# Praying for Nurses on the Feast of St. Agatha
*2017-02-04*

> Bill Young celebrates the feast of St. Agatha, patron of nurses, with prayers, a novena to Our Lady of Lourdes, and a full rosary, asking for God's blessings on nurses and their patients.

## Opening Prayer and Intentions

Bill greets listeners and mentions his two sisters, Susie and Phyllis, who are nurses. Susie has worked over 40 years at the Alberta Einstein Hospital and now teaches, while Phyllis works with children. He prays that God blesses their patients, the babies and children they care for, and the students they teach, that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit and do God's will.

## Come, Spirit of Life

Bill leads a prayer invoking the Holy Spirit to renew creation, guide the Church, and bring courage, mercy, and resurrection to the faithful. The prayer ends with a traditional "Amen."

## Litany of Our Lady of Lourdes

Bill recites a litany honoring Our Lady of Lourdes, calling her the Immaculate Virgin, dispenser of gifts, comfort of the afflicted, healer of sickness, and advocate of souls. He concludes with the "Lamb of God" petitions and a short collect asking that we may share in the graces poured out through Mary.

## Novena Day 4 and the Rosary

Bill announces the fourth day of the novena to Our Lady of Lourdes, which calls for praying the Rosary. He prays the Apostles’ Creed, then asks Mary to draw abundantly from the treasures of her Son’s heart. The rosary is begun with the Our Father and a series of Hail Marys, followed by the Joyful (Glorious) Mysteries appropriate for a Sunday. For each mystery Bill briefly mentions the scriptural basis and the fruit (faith, hope, love, etc.) and repeats the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory.

## Closing Reflections

Bill thanks listeners, especially those watching the Super Bowl, and reminds them that St. Agatha (often confused with St. Agnes) is the patron saint of nurses. He urges prayers for all nurses—those serving now, retired, and those in heaven—recognizing that just as doctors heal the body, Mary is our spiritual nurse. He invites everyone to join tomorrow for Day 5 of the novena.

*May the Holy Spirit renew and strengthen every nurse, that they may be true instruments of Christ’s healing love.*