# Miracle on the Hudson
*2009-01-14*

> Bill Young reflects on the miraculous rescue of Flight 154 passengers, highlighting the power of praying five Hail Marys and trusting in God’s providence.

## A Modern Miracle

Good afternoon, this is Bill Young, and welcome to the 274th episode of Prayer and Lunch. I was struck by the news of the Hudson River rescue, where 154 people were saved after a plane made an emergency landing. One passenger even said he prayed five Hail Marys before the rescue. That story reminded me that God’s plan often includes the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

## Why Five Hail Marys?

The number five has special significance in Marian devotion. In the early Church, the faithful would pray five Hail Marys for the dying, for the sick, for the lost, for the Church, and for the world. The passenger’s testimony shows how a simple, heartfelt prayer can open us to God’s grace in a moment of crisis.

## Our Prayer of Five Hail Marys

Let us join that passenger in prayer, invoking the Mother of God for all who are in danger or need of mercy.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

(Repeat the above prayer four more times.)

## A Thanksgiving to Mary

Mary, Mother of Jesus, we praise you and thank you for the lives saved on the Hudson. May this miracle remind everyone of the power of Christ and the intercession of His Mother. Let us continue to trust in God’s providence, especially in the most unexpected circumstances.

*Even a brief prayer to Mary can open the way for God’s miraculous protection.*