The outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) brought fear, uncertainty, and concern to people across the world. As cases continued to rise globally, many families faced anxiety over their health, safety, livelihood, and future. Communities were affected not only physically, but also emotionally, spiritually, and financially during this difficult period.
In times of crisis and uncertainty, prayer becomes a source of comfort, hope, and strength. Throughout history, the Catholic Church has encouraged the faithful to come together in prayer during moments of war, disaster, disease, and public suffering through what is known as an Oratio Imperata — a special prayer offered for a particular urgent intention.
This special prayer for the Novel Coronavirus invites us to unite in faith and ask for God’s mercy, healing, protection, and guidance for the entire world. It is also a prayer for healthcare workers, frontliners, government leaders, affected families, and all those suffering because of the pandemic.
As we continue facing challenges brought by illness and uncertainty, may this prayer remind us to place our trust in God’s compassion, wisdom, and unfailing love.
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore Oratio Imperata Version
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of good health and peace that we have enjoyed for so many years. As we find ourselves in this time of crisis today, we ask for your divine intervention and mercy to be upon each of us.
Come and guide the minds of those working to discover a treatment to the COVID-19 virus. Grant them wisdom, knowledge, and clarity of mind, so that all peoples will be free from the threat of this ailment.
We also pray for the healthcare workers that are standing in the front line of this battle. Father, we thank you for their hearts of service, putting the needs of society before their own, generously responding to the cry of Your people. We ask that You will grant them strength and protection. As they give of themselves in selfless service, may You fill them with your Holy Spirit as they work to be Your healing hands and feet!
Father, we also surrender to You all those who have been afflicted with the virus. Grant them Your healing grace, merciful Father, so that they may recover swiftly and continue to be witnesses of Your love in their lives.
Mother Mary, we ask for your intercession in this great time of need. Cover each of us with your blue mantle of protection, so that we may be preserved in good health to continue to glorify your son, Jesus Christ. We make this prayer through Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer.
Amen.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Oratio Imperata Version
God our Father, We come to you in our need To ask your protection against the 2019 N-Corona Virus, That has claimed lives And has affected many.
We pray for your grace For the people tasked with studying the nature and cause Of this virus and its disease And of stemming the tide of its transmission. Guide the hands and minds of medical experts That they may minister to the sick With competence and compassion, And of those governments and private agencies That must find cure and solution to this epidemic.
We pray for those afflicted May they be restored to health soon.
Grant us the grace To work for the good of all And to help those in need.
Grant this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
Amen.
Mary Help of all Christians, pray for us.
St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us.
St. Rock, pray for us.
St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.
St. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.
