As the novel Coronavirus continues to ravage many countries of the world and as scientists race to find a cure, the African Catholic Bishops have decided to take the matter to God in prayer.
To that effect, they have composed a special prayer for the faithful against the disease.
The bishops spoke under the aegis of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).
The bishops in a statement however, advised the public to strictly follow the instructions given by both the civil and ecclesiastical authorities regarding the novel coronavirus.
The statement read: “We express our sympathy for and solidarity with those who are infected and affected by this strange epidemic and pray that an effective and affordable treatment of this disease may soon be found.
“In the meantime, we strongly urge our people to adopt the highest level of preventive measures to curb the spread of this disease.
“We also ask that they pray for those infected and affected by this disease and for a quick end to the scourge of the coronavirus.”
The bishops put forward a special prayer for the faithful to say for a quick end to the virus.
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The prayer goes thus:
“Almighty and merciful Father, who shows your love to all creation, we come before you asking for a quick control of the Coronavirus currently ravaging our world.
“Hear graciously the prayers we make for those affected by the virus in various parts of the world.
“Grant healing to the sick, eternal life to the dead and consolation to the bereaved families.
“We pray that an effective medicine to combat the sickness be speedily found.
“We pray for the relevant Governments and Health Authorities that they take appropriate steps for the good of the people.
“Look upon us in your mercy and forgive us our fallings. “We ask this through our Lord Jesus.’’
So far, the number of Coronavirus infections worldwide is more than 111,000, with about 3,890 deaths.
