Standing in the window of the library of the Apostolic Palace overlooking an empty St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis blesses the city of Rome March 15, 2020, still under lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. (CNS photo/Vatican Media via Reuters)
Bishop Larry Silva is asking those in the Diocese of Honolulu to join Pope Francis and people around the world in two special prayer efforts on March 25 and March 27.
“On Sunday, March 22, Pope Francis issued two invitations to all the people of the world to join him in prayer for a speedy and healthy resolution to the coronavirus pandemic,” Bishop Silva said in a written message that same day. “Please plan to join in both of these experiences and any others your parish may be conducting.”
The first opportunity is March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation. The pope asked people around the world to pray the “Our Father” at noon in their time zone for “continuous prayer” that day.
On March 27 at 7 a.m. Hawaii time and 6 p.m. Rome time, Pope Francis will hold a special prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica with adoration, scripture readings and prayers. Also, in an unusual step, he will be finishing the service with the “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the city of Rome and to the world”) blessing, usually only said at Christmas and Easter, and associated with a special indulgence. You can watch the service on channels like EWTN.
Bishop Silva also added another prayer suggestion in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would recommend, especially on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, March 25, that, in addition to the Our Father, everyone also pray the Angelus, a centuries-old prayer interspersed with Hail Marys, which is traditionally recited at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. in order to keep our minds fixed throughout the day on the Lord, who loves us so much he became one of us.”
The Angelus
Leader: The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
Response: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Leader: Behold, the handmaid of the Lord.
Response: Be it done unto me according to thy word.
(Repeat) “Hail, Mary”
Leader: And the Word was made flesh
Response: And dwelt among us.
(Repeat) “Hail, Mary”
Leader: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
Response: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
(Repeat) “Hail, Mary”
Leader: Let us pray.
All: Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may, by his passion and cross, be brought to the glory of the resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
