Bishop Christopher J. Coyne asks Catholics to offer particular prayers to the Blessed Mother
On March 12, 2020, Pope Francis entrusted to Mary the world which is now suffering from the spread of a new coronavirus. Uniting ourselves with that act, Bishop Coyne has asked each parish and chapel to erect a shrine either inside or outside of the church to pray for deliverance from the COVID-19 outbreak. A candle will be kept burning in front of the Blessed Mother shrine for those who have died; for those who are ill; for the doctors, nurses and caretakers who are treating the sick; for those with suffering family members; for those who are in mourning; for those who are vulnerable; for those who are afraid; and for those leaders whose decisions impact the pandemic.
The doors of churches are open throughout the day (please check local schedule). All are welcome to visit and pray for Mary’s intercession.
For those who wish to refrain from entering a church building, the following parishes have substantial shrines to the Blessed Mother outside on church property:
St. Mary’s – Middlebury
St. Monica’s – Barre
Sacred Heart St. Francis – Bennington
Annunciation – Ludlow
Our Lady of Good Help – Brandon
Christ the King – Rutland
St. Peter’s – Vergennes
St. Anne’s Shrine – Isle LaMotte