# The Three‑O’Clock Hour: Embracing the Hour of Mercy
*2015-11-23*

> Bill Young reflects on the martyrdom of Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro and introduces the “Hour of Mercy” at 3 p.m., drawing on the writings of St Vas​s​inita to invite deeper prayer for conversion.

## Remembering Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today, November 23, we celebrate the feast of Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, a Mexican priest who suffered persecution during the early 20th‑century anti‑religious campaigns. He had to travel to Spain to be ordained, and when he returned to Mexico in 1911 he celebrated Mass and gave Communion in secret. Ultimately he was executed by a firing squad, becoming a martyr for the faith.

## Introducing the Hour of Mercy

We are beginning a new devotional practice: the Hour of Mercy at the third hour, 3 p.m. Jesus promised St Vas​s​inita that, whenever the clock strikes the third hour, we should “immerse ourselves completely in my mercy,” invoking it for the whole world. This hour recalls the moment of Christ’s agony on the cross, when divine love was most fully manifested.

## The Chaplet of the Hour of Mercy

St Vas​s​inita’s diary records a chaplet that asks for graces for ourselves and for sinners, especially through the merit of Christ’s passion. If we cannot pray the full Stations of the Cross, she recommends entering a chapel for a brief moment to adore the Blessed Sacrament. The prayer begins: “O blood and water, which flow from the heart of Jesus, fountain of mercy, I trust in you.” When recited with a contrite heart, Jesus promised the grace of conversion.

## Meditation on Christ’s Mercy

The diary offers a meditation on the inexhaustible mercy of Christ: He could have satisfied divine justice with a single word, yet out of love he endured the Passion. By opening the tabernacle, He makes His mercy available to all—those who seek love, those who contemplate His wounds, and those exhausted by life. The blood and water that flowed from His heart are the source of eternal life.

## A Prayer for All Souls

“O Jesus, eternal truth, our life, I call upon you and beg your mercy for poor sinners. May the power of your wounds flow into me, that my lips may repeat your will: ‘Be done, O Lord.’ Grant me the grace to forget myself and live wholly for the salvation of souls.”

We conclude by thanking St Vas​s​inita for her inspiring words and inviting listeners to join us at 3 p.m. for this hour of mercy.

*The third hour reminds us that Christ’s mercy is ever‑present, calling us to pray for the conversion of souls.*