Prayer to St. Bernardine of Siena, Patron of all who suffer respiratory illness

Prayer written by Ann Fitch
St. Bernardine of Siena,
you were healed of respiratory illness
and preached the love and mercy of God everywhere you went.
I come to you now seeking your prayers for
[Name of the person]
and all who suffer respiratory illnesses.
Plead their cases in union with Mary, the Mother of God,
and seek healing for them if that is God’s holy will.
Pray, dear saint, that they suffer with joy,
persevere with hope,
and that they join their afflictions with Jesus’ for the salvation of souls.
I ask your intercession on their behalf in Jesus’ holy Name.
Amen.

Let's offer this Prayer for those affected by Covid-19

In the year 1400, the plague descended with a vengeance upon Siena. Twelve to twenty people were dying daily at the city’s largest hospital, which was soon bereft of caring personnel. The twenty-year-old Bernardine volunteered to take charge of the hospital with another ten companions whom he had convinced to lay down their lives for the sake of the countless stricken and dying.

Four grueling months later, several of his companions died, but Bernardine escaped contagion. Nevertheless, weakened by his tireless labor, he contracted a fever from which his health never fully recovered.

He went on to join the Franciscans and was ordained on September 8, 1404. About two years later, St. Vincent Ferrer, one of the greatest preachers of all time, while in Italy, foretold that his mantle would descend upon one listening to him, saying he would return to France and Spain leaving to another the task of evangelizing the people of Italy. Twelve years were to pass before this prediction was fulfilled, as Bernardine lived a life of retirement in the monastery.