August 1, 2024
St. Alphonsus, you are the special patron
of all who suffer from arthritis
and the pains of many years.
When our fingers twist with pain,
keep us focused on the hands of Christ
pierced with nails.
When our knees, hips, backs, elbows, knuckles,
and other joints hurt so much that tears
well up in our eyes, help us to recall the tears,
the sweat, and the blood
that flowed from our crucified Jesus,
who suffered so much more for each of us.
St. Alphonsus,
you were afflicted with curvature of the spine
and confined to a wheelchair in your final years.
Teach us to unite all our pains
with the sufferings of Jesus.
By your intercession,
may our pain be eased — but even more,
may we be one with Jesus in his death
and resurrection for the redemption of the world.
Amen.