​World Leprosy Day is observed on​ the last Sunday of January every year to raise the awareness of leprosy.

It’s a time to recognise everyone worldwide who is affected by the disease, those who are supporting them and our goal for a leprosy-free world.

St Francis Leprosy Guild is the UK’s Catholic leprosy charity. They are grateful to anyone who supports their goal of a leprosy-free world. Their patron is His Eminence, Cardinal Vincent Nichols. You can watch his message for World Leprosy Day here.

Lord, we remember the many people around the world affected by leprosy.

May we follow the example of your son, Jesus, and St Francis of Assisi and show them love and compassion.

We pray that they may be freed from the disease and its stigma.

We give thanks for those who have been cured.

We remember those who are permanently marked by the disease and all who care for them.

Amen

Prayer of St Francis Leprosy Guild

Will you tell your family, friends, neighbours and congregation about leprosy? Will you invite them to your coffee morning, church service, prayer group, party or bake sale to talk about leprosy?

​Here are some resources: World Leprosy Day toolkit.

Visit their website to find out more about how you can help and for access to their World Leprosy Day resources.