During the 17th century, the Church started to highlight Mary’s role as an intercessor for all the sick, invoking her under the title of “Health of the Sick.”
This was in direct connection to the plague in Europe and how many people turned to her in their time of need.
Here is the prayer recited by Pope Francis in March 2020 that invokes Mary under this title, this time in reference to COVID-19.
O Mary,
You shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who, at the Cross,
united with Jesus’ pain,
keeping your faith firm.You, Salvation of the Roman people,
know what we need,
and we trust that you will provide for those needs so that,
as at Cana of Galilee,
joy and celebration may return
after this moment of trial.Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the will of the Father
and to do what Jesus tells us.
He who took our suffering upon Himself,
and burdened Himself with our sorrows
to bring us, through the Cross,
to the joy of Resurrection. Amen.We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas — we who are put to the test —
and deliver us from every danger. O glorious and blessed Virgin.
And today we celebrate...