Manila archbishop invites Catholics to join 鈥楬oly Hour鈥� for Pope
Pope Francis attends a Mass in this file photo on Jan. 1, 2025, marking the World Day of Peace in St. Peter’s Basilica. —REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula is inviting Catholics to join the “Holy Hour” on Friday at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros for the healing of Pope Francis, who was hospitalized due to double pneumonia.
In a circular released on Thursday, the archbishop said that the “Holy Hour for the Healing of Pope Francis” will be held at 5 p.m., the eve of the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter.
“Parishes and communities are encouraged to gather the faithful for this intention through Masses, Holy Hour, and other community prayers,” the circular read.
“Let us storm heaven with our supplications. Let us accompany Pope Francis with our loving prayers and entrust him to the Lord’s healing hand as well as his doctors, nurses, and medical professionals,” the circular added.
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Article continues after this advertisementThe archbishop on Wednesday called for community prayers for the Pope’s speedy recovery. Advincula noted that it was a response to the appeal by Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, to pray for the pontiff’s health, as well as the doctors, nurses, and medical professionals taking care of him.
Article continues after this advertisementFurther, the Vatican said on Wednesday that the Pope’s blood tests showed “slight improvement” and his clinical conditions were “stable” on his sixth day at the Rome Gemelli hospital.
“The blood tests, evaluated by the medical staff, show a slight improvement, particularly in inflammatory indices,” the Vatican said in a statement.
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It added that the Pope “dedicated himself to work activities with his closest collaborators” after breakfast.
The Manila Archbishop also offered the following prayer for the Pope:
Loving and merciful God, we implore You
to look kindly upon Your servant, Pope Francis,
Touch him with your compassion and consolation.
Restore his health and renew his strength
in mind, body, and spirit.
Surround him with your peace
and the support of the prayers of your holy people.
We place Pope Francis in your healing love
through the doctors, nurses,
and medical professionals who take care of him.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for us.
