The Crosier community in Phoenix kicked off a nine-week novena Oct. 28 at St. Theresa Parish to pray (courtesy photo)
The Crosier community in Phoenix kicked off a nine-week novena Oct. 28 at St. Theresa Parish to pray for protection against Ebola. (courtesy photo)

The Crosier Fathers and Brothers, in conjunction with St. Theresa Catholic Church, are offering a novena of intercession for protection from the Ebola virus. The services began Oct. 28 and continue for nine consecutive Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Theresa, 5045 E. Thomas Road in Phoenix.

Each service lasts 30-40 minutes and has a different theme of deliverance. All are invited and welcome to attend.

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Ebola coverage in The Catholic Sun

[/quote_box_right]“Given the widespread concern and fear of this deadly virus, we invite people to come together and pray for protection. We are drawing on an age-old Crosier tradition of reflection and intercession to Our Lady of Protection,” said Crosier Father Robert Rossi.

The novena is built on a prayer service featuring the solemn chanting of the “Haec Est Praeclarum Vas,” which was sung by the Crosiers in the Middle Ages to ward off the threat of the bubonic plague. That chant continued daily for centuries thereafter in Crosier communities.

Fr. Rossi said the Crosier mission is to accompany people in their suffering, to stand with them and assure them that God has not abandoned them but is bringing about new life in some mysterious way.

The Crosiers offer healing, pastoral and sacramental ministries and assistance. They also offer pastoral leadership to parishes, spiritual direction and retreats; mission outreach; and a host of other ministries.

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Help combat Ebola

Through prayer: Novena, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 28-Dec. 23 at St. Theresa, 5045 E. Thomas Road in Phoenix.

Through action: Support a hygiene drive coordinated by Esperanca, a Phoenix nonprofit that works to improve health and provide hope for families in the poorest communities of the world through sustainable disease prevention, education and treatment.

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