Comfort in Sickness

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God of tenderness and providence, you formed St. Gerard in humble service and steadfast trust. As I begin this novena, draw me closer to Christ and, through Gerard's intercession, receive the need I carry. Teach me to serve faithfully in the duties before me. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Gerard met illness with patience, but Christian patience does not forbid treatment, tears, or the desire to be healed. God's comfort can arrive through medicine, companions, sacraments, and quiet endurance. What we receive can make us gentler toward another person's pain. Suffering should never isolate a person from community or compassionate assistance.

St. Gerard, accompany the sick, their families, and those who care for them. Intercede for healing where God wills, relief in suffering, wise medical care, and the consolation of Christ. Ask the Lord to guard them from isolation, exhaustion, and false shame and strengthen every source of responsible support. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

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.

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.

St. Gerard, faithful brother and compassionate friend, pray for me and for all who await God's help. Bring mothers, children, workers, the sick, and the falsely accused before the Lord, and help me follow Jesus with patient love. May my waiting become active charity rather than fear. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.