# Praying for Orlando and the intercession of St. Anthony
*2016-06-13*

> Bill Young reflects on the tragedy in Orlando, Florida, and leads an invocation to St. Anthony of Padua for the victims and their families.

## Praying for the victims in Orlando

It is still deeply sad to think about what happened in Orlando, Florida. We remember all those souls lost, all those who were injured and are suffering, and all the family members and friends who lost a loved one. Prayer is an essential part of life, so let us pray for the living and the injured, and also pray for the souls of those who passed away, that they may go to true heaven.

## The intercession of St. Anthony

Today is the feast day of St. Anthony. We all know St. Anthony as the one who helps us find lost items—and believe me, I have been guilty of needing his help with things right in front of my eyes a few times. But he is much more than that; he is a saint of love. Since we have lost souls in this tragedy, let us seek St. Anthony's intercession before our Lord Jesus, that these souls may enter heaven. We also pray for the wounded, those awaiting surgery, and those recovering, that they may have a full recovery. For those troubled by the state of the world, there is one safe and honest way: prayer to God.

## Invocation to St. Anthony

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Oh dear St. Anthony, I turn my prayers to you, confident in your compassionate goodness, which enables you to hear and to intercede for me before God. You who led your life according to the Gospel, help me live it in faith and in Christian hope. You who preached the message of love, inspire all people with the desire for peace and fraternity. You who helped with miracles those who were stricken by suffering and injustice, come to the aid of the poor and those forgotten in this world. I ask you to bless in particular my family, my workplace, and those who are suffering today because of that terrorist act in Orlando and those who are suffering all around the world. I ask you to bless all those who may be harmed in body and soul. May I always remain united to God in times of joy and in times of trial. May I have the faith and love of a child. Amen.

## A call for strength

We must stick together and pray to God. We must ask for strength in this time of great need. God bless all of you, and God bless all the families who lost loved ones or have family members injured in the hospital.

*In times of great need and tragedy, we must stick together and seek strength through prayer and the intercession of the saints.*