"Lord Jesus,

who welcomed the little ones in your arms and blessed them tenderly,

today we bring before you the children living with incurable illnesses.

Their fragile bodies are a sign of your presence,

and their smiles, even in the midst of pain, are a testimony of your kingdom.

We ask you, Lord, that they may never lack proper medical care,

human and compassionate attention,

and the support of a community that accompanies them with love.

Sustain their families in hope,

in the midst of weariness and uncertainty,

and make of them witnesses of a faith that grows stronger through trial.

Bless the hands of doctors, nurses, and caregivers,

so that their work may always be an expression of active compassion.

May your Spirit enlighten them in every difficult decision,

and grant them patience and tenderness to serve with dignity.

Lord, teach us to recognize your face in every suffering child.

May their vulnerability awaken our compassion,

and move us to care, accompany, and love

with concrete gestures of solidarity."

Please head over to the Pope Prayer Network to read the full reflection and watch the video

Question to ponder: How will you include terminally ill children in your prayers this month?

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash