Calcutta (India)
Monday, 3 February 1986

All-powerful and ever-living God,
Father of the poor,
Comfort of the sick,
Hope of the dying,

Your love guides every moment of our lives. Here in Nirmal Hriday, in this place of loving care for the sick and dying, we lift our minds and hearts to you in prayer. We praise you for the gift of human life and especially for the promise of everlasting life. We know that you are always near to the broken-hearted and the destitute, and to all the weak and suffering.

O God of tenderness and compassion,

Accept the prayers we offer for our sick brothers and sisters. Increase their faith and trust in you. Comfort them with your loving presence and, if it be your will, restore their health, give them renewed strength of body and soul.

O loving Father, bless those who are dying, bless all those who will soon meet you face to face. We believe that you have made death the gateway to eternal life. Keep our dying brothers and sisters in your love, and bring them safely home to eternal life with you.

O God, the Source of all strength, watch over and protect those who care for the sick and assist the dying. Give them a courageous and gentle spirit. Sustain them in their efforts to bring comfort and healing. Make them ever more a radiant sign of your transforming love.

O Lord of life and Foundation of our hope, pour out your abundant blessings upon all who live and work and die in Nirmal Hriday. Fill them with your peace and grace. Let them see that you are a loving Father, a God of mercy and compassion. Amen.