We come together as a community to offer our prayers and intentions for all those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We extend our sympathies for those who have died from the coronavirus and their families who grieve under such very difficult conditions.
We acknowledge the bravery and courage of our family, friends, and neighbors who are at the front lines of this healthcare crisis: doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff who are providing critical and compassionate care. As well as other first responders, including paramedics, firefighters, police officers, and members of the United States armed forces and the U.S. Coastguard.
We recognize too, the many other essential workers who keep us nourished by delivering goods and replenishing the shelves at our grocery and drug stores and greeting us warmly at the check-out lines. State of Illinois, City of Chicago, and Cook County workers who also provide essential services on a daily basis. Government leaders and support staff who each day seek ways to keep us safe and bring much need supplies to our area hospitals. And all of those in jobs where they must put their safety on the line to work with the public.
So together we acknowledge and pray to the God we turn to, for:
Our Front-line Heroes and Essential Workers
Mighty God, spiritual guides, ancestors and angels you have never left us. You have protected us and covered us with your power. Please continue to cover those who are not as fortune at this time. Place you hands on them and comfort them, don’t allow any harm or negativity. Only allow love and light into their hearts knowing that they are safe and will overcome. – Claire
To All Our Frontline Heroes, I encourage you to believe that you are Our Lord Jesus’ Instruments and He acts on you, guiding you, protecting you, inspiring you and blessing you. Keep Jesus in your heart and He will give you the strength to carry on. Take Him always with you to your place of work. Sincerely we pray for you. — Your Proud and Grateful Little Italy Neighbor, Margarita Guillen
Rachel Valentino, Rush nurse. My nephew Jerry, Police Chief. Tito, nephew, Police Detective. My cousin Dr. Michael Martirano and wife Beth, who is a nurse. Friends daughters who are nurses, Natalie and Michelle. Co-workers at DuPage Courthouse. – Fran Saviano
For the firefighters, paramedics, and other Chicago Fire Department personnel in this area: District 1, Battalions 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, and District 4, Battalions 15 and 17, as well as those from the Quinn Fire Academy, Special Operations, headquarters, and the warehouse.
For Rachel and all of the other front line heroes at Rush University Medical Center: for the physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other members of the medical team, and all of the auxiliary staff in admissions, the emergency room, security, and environmental and food services and all other critical areas of operation.
For all of the front-line heroes at our area hospitals, including the Jesse Brown VA Hospital, John H. Stroger Cook County Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Northwestern University and Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center, Saint Anthony Hospital, UI Health Hospital and Health Systems, and the University of Chicago Medical Center.
For all of our police officers in Districts 1, 2, 9, 10 and 12 that make our local communities safer.
For Sgt. Terry Williams and all of the men and women of the UIC Police Department who serve us so well.
Those Who Have Recently Died
In loving memory of Patricia LaCassa (nee Spaulding), loving wife of Anthony “Primo” LaCassa for 68 years, and a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.
In loving memory of Mary J. Tadin (nee Bertucci), loving wife of the late Anthony, and a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and aunt. Last surviving member of Bridgeport’s Bertucci family.
In loving memory of Cook County Corrections Officer Sheila Rivera. She will be missed.
For the members of the UIC Transportation team whom we have lost during this terrible healthcare crisis. You will be greatly missed.
Honoring fallen Chicago Police Officer Ronald Newman of the South Shore District.
Honoring fallen Chicago Fire Department firefighter Edward Singleton, who most recently served at the firehouse at Midway Airport.
Remembering Russell Modjeski, a long-time employee of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications at the 911 Center.
The inmates at the Cook County jail who have died of the coronavirus.
Honoring fallen Chicago Police Officer Marco DiFranco.
Honoring fallen Chicago Firefighter Mario Araujo, Engine 102.
Fallen Chicago Police Sergeant Cliff Martin.
For John Prine, an artist, songwriter and compassionate person.
For John LaPlante, Chicago’s first Commissioner of the Department of Transportation.
Family, Friends and Neighbors Who Need Our Prayers and Support During These Unprecedented Times
For my lifelong buddy, James M., and all of his colleagues, who each and every day enter the homes of our neighbors so that others can breathe and stay healthy. May God watch over our respiratory therapists and all the other therapists on the front line of this pandemic. I look forward to a day soon when Jimmy and I can raise a glass of good wine together.
For all of the front-line healthcare workers at Roseland Community Hospital. For their heroism and that they may very soon get the resources they need to get through this terrible pandemic. — Nancy and Jeffrey
For all of our City of Chicago workers in Streets and Sanitation, the Water Department, Lights and Electric, Transportation, and all others who are on the streets of Chicago each day and night providing us the services we need while risking their own lives. We thank you! Maggie R. and family.
For all of our beloved seniors living in nursing homes, retirement and rehab centers, and VA facilities. We pray that God watch over each of you and your heroic caretakers. — Love and prayers, June P
For all airport personnel who are bravely working to allow those who need to travel to make it safely to their destinations. From ticket agents, TSA staff, custodians and shopkeepers, baggage handlers, mechanics, food service staff, security staff, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, pilots, and so many others. You too are at the front-lines of the virus and we are grateful for all of you. — From Kimberly.
For all those in the “gig economy” that are working through the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Thank you for being brave and getting us to where we need to go. Keep riding! — Fondly, Estela
In gratitude for my newspaper delivery person, Auriel, and all the others who deliver newspapers to our doorsteps, as well as all of the newspaper circulation drivers, pressmen, graphic designers, sales representatives, reporters, and managers of our daily, weekly and monthly publications. Bringing us the news is so vital at this time. Thank you! — Natalie N.
To everyone who thinks of others before themselves, even at risk to their own safety. And to John Prine, who lived where sadness and joy met and made it a place you didn’t mind visiting.
God Bless you too! Prayers always help!
Praying for all Chicago Public School and private school students who are learning remotely during the shelter in place and being socially separated from their classmates, teachers, and support staff.
For all of the brave and essential workers at the United States Postal Service–who are sorting our mail, delivering our mail, and staffing our postal offices–that they remain healthy and safe during this coronavirus pandemic. And, for the long-term viability of the United States Postal Service–we cannot do without it. — Matilda
Our Saviano family, and extended family and friends. — Fran Saviano
I pray for all—the sick and the well—those who sacrifice and those who do not, the wise and the ignorant, the people of goodwill and the evildoers, that the Power of Creation will spare everyone and enlighten those who cannot see and, therefore, do evil, the quick and the dead, friends, enemies, families and all those we love, and give us strength to forgive those we hate, and cast the hatred from ourselves. Mercy to all!
For Gabriella, Berto, Shelby, Gabriella, Brian, Ophelia, and Jolie, sheltering in place in New Orleans, and all their friends. May they be safe, healthy and secure.
For Rev. Paul A. Reicher
For Pat, who is sheltering in place and praying for all. That someday soon she can feed her bunnies.