May 9, 2023
O leper with the lepers,
you united yourself
so thoroughly
with those you served
that you became one of them,
one of the frightful and rejected souls
abandoned by the world
but redeemed by the blood of Christ
through your intercession.
To them you brought the consolation
of government support
and the love of the Lord,
and so, many were inspired
to drag themselves
into your chapel –
pray we join them there,
listening attentively to the Word of salvation
and finding healing for the disease
that eats away at our souls;
help us to embrace the cross
the Lord provides
to lead us on the narrow way
to Heaven.