# Offering of the most precious blood for the sick
*2020-06-28*

> Bill Young leads a special prayer session focused on healing for those suffering from COVID-19 and support for healthcare workers.

## A Gift from Rome

Before the pandemic began, a friend from the Legion of Mary traveled to Rome. I asked her to bring back some holy water for me. It sounds like a simple request, but it turned out to be difficult because some churches in Rome had stopped letting people take holy water due to people using it in negative ways. I am very grateful she was able to get some for me, as it has been my supply during this epidemic. With many churches closed or restricting access to holy water due to fears that the water itself could spread the virus—which I don't really believe—I am thankful to the Lord for taking care of me.

## Prayers for Healing

Today we pray the 'Offering of the Most Precious Blood for the Sick,' specifically for those suffering from coronavirus around the world. We pray that they may recover and stay healthy, and we ask for the development of a good and quick vaccine to stop this illness permanently.

Jesus, our Savior, divine physician, who heals the wounds of the soul and those of the body: by the merits of your most precious blood, grant the grace of good health to all those presently suffering from coronavirus. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Jesus, our Savior, you who were merciful when faced with the miserable conditions of humanity and healed all types of infirmity: have compassion on those who have coronavirus. By the merits of your most precious blood, we beseech you to free them from their illness. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## Interceding for Caregivers

We also turn our intentions toward those taking care of the sick: the family members, first responders, doctors, nurses, and all healthcare providers who are burdened by this crisis. 

Jesus, our Savior, who said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and overburdened, and I will give you rest,' we pray for these caregivers. Through the merits of your most precious blood, may they find strength and may the sick they serve be healed and run immediately to the foot of your altar to thank you. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## The Importance of Gratitude

While this is a short prayer, it is one of the most powerful prayers for the sick. We thank the Lord in advance for those who are healed. I encourage anyone who has recovered from coronavirus to go to the altar, go to adoration, or attend Mass to thank the Lord. 

In the Gospels, we read about when Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one of the ten actually returned to thank Him. Our Lord wants us to be grateful. If He heals us, we should give that thanks back to Him.

*When the Lord grants us healing, we should honor Him by returning to the altar in gratitude.*