A Day for Prayer and Solidarity: June 11-13, 2021
The Jesuits are adding their voice to the many individuals and groups in the Church and civil society which are advocating for equity and justice in the production and distribution of vaccines especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities all over the world.
Currently, 85% of administered vaccines have gone to high-income or upper-middle income countries while low-income countries have received only 0.3% of available vaccines.
Pope Francis has encouraged “all states to contribute actively to the international efforts being made to ensure an equitable distribution of the vaccines, based not on purely economic criteria but on the needs of all, especially of peoples most in need.”
To coincide with the G7 meeting taking place in the UK from 11–13 June, you are invited to take a moment on each of these days to pray in thanksgiving for the COVID-19 vaccines, for those who develop and deliver them, and also, to pray for greater justice in the vaccines’ distribution.
The prayer below may act as a focus for you.
Friday is also the day on which Catholics are invited to undertake some small act of self-denial or engagement. Here are some things which might be an appropriate way to express your solidarity with those whose lives have been affected by Coronavirus or who await their vaccination:
- Fast for a day in solidarity with the those around the world who do not yet have access to the vaccine.
- Connect with others in your parish, school, or chaplaincy for a ten-minute prayer to start a day.
- Write to your MP and let them know your views.
Prayer of thanksgiving
God of Hope, Sustainer of all life,
We give You thanks for the coronavirus vaccines, for the skill and wisdom of scientists, medical staff and key workers.
By the power of Your Spirit, may we overflow with hope and joy as we see our friends, families and neighbours protected.
God of Justice, Protector of the vulnerable, may we be your well-washed hands and willing feet.
Move us to give and act, to challenge the injustices that anger You.
May we seek to protect all Your children, particularly those for whom the vaccine is out of reach.
With hope and trust we pray.
Amen.
(Prayer from Christian Aid)
