The Fourteen Holy Helpers Invoked During Coronavirus Outbreak

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The Fourteen Holy Helpers' intercession was first invoked in Germany during the plague.

Highlights

By Abigail James (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
3/11/2020 (4 years ago)

Published in Living Faith

Keywords: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Prayers, Fourteen Holy Helpers, Saints, Helpers, Holy Helpers, Martyrs

The number of people infected with Coronavirus worldwide increases every day. Over 80,000 people in China have been infected, 10,000 in Italy and over 1,000 in the United States. The outbreaks are expected to get worse before they get better. Any one experiencing symptoms of fever, dry cough and runny nose are advised to isolate themselves from others. 

While the statistics are frightening, the survival rate is also pretty high. Over 61,000 cases in China have already recovered. Getting the Coronavirus is not an immediate death sentence and this isn't the first time the world or the Church has seen this kind of infectious outbreak. 

In these moments, we can call upon the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints venerated together because their intercession can be effective against diseases. 

The Fourteen Holy Helpers' intercession was first invoked in Germany during the Black Death, also known as the 14th century plague. The plague took Europe by storm and killed more than 50 million people within a few years. Devotion the these fourteen saints came natural to those clinging to their faith in the face of illness and death. 

These 14 saints were called upon to protect and heal. 

St. Christopher was invoked against the plague and against a sudden and unprovided-for death. 

St. Giles was invoked against the plague and prayed to for a good confession. 

St. George was invoked for protection of domestic animals attacked by the plague.

St. Blaise was invoked for ills of the throat.

St. Erasmus was invoked for protection of domestic animals attacked by the plague and for abdominal maladies.

St. Pantaleon was invoked for protection of domestic animals attacked by the plague and is the patron of physicians.

St. Vitus was invoked for protection of domestic animals attacked by the plague and against epilepsy.

St. Denis was prayed to for relief from headache.

St. Cyriacus was invoked against temptation on the deathbed.

St. Acacius of Byzantium is invoked against headaches. 

St. Eustace was as as healer of family troubles.

St. Margaret of Antioch is the patron of safe childbirth.

St. Barbara was invoked for fevers and against a sudden and unprovided-for death.

St. Catherine of Alexandria was prayed to against a sudden and unprovided-for death.

These saints invoked together as the Fourteen Holy Helpers can be a powerful force against the Coronavirus in a time we need it the most. 

When at night I go to sleep, fourteen angels watch do keep. Two my head are guarding; Two my feet are guiding; Two upon my right hand, Two upon my left hand. Two who warmly cover; Two who o'er me hover, Two to whom 'tis given; To guide my steps to heaven. Amen.

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