# St. Bridget of Sweden and the Joyful Mysteries for world peace
*2016-07-22*

> Bill Young leads a recitation of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, offering prayers for world peace and the intercession of St. Bridget of Sweden.

## The Intercession of St. Bridget of Sweden

Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Bridget of Sweden. She is well known for her fifteen prayers and the devotion of seven Our Fathers and seven Hail Marys. In honor of her feast, I want to recite a prayer to her: 

'With all hearts full of confidence, we turn to you, O blessed Bridget, in these times of darkness and unbelief to invoke your powerful intercession on behalf of those who are separated from the true church of Jesus Christ. Conscious of your deep knowledge of the cruel sufferings of our crucified Savior, we beseech you to obtain the gift of faith for all those who are outside of the one fold, so that all the scattered sheep may return to the one true shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.'

St. Bridget, faithful in the service of God, pray for us. St. Bridget, patient in suffering and humiliation, pray for us. St. Bridget, marvelous in your love towards Jesus and Mary, pray for us.

## Intentions for the Rosary

As we begin the Joyful Mysteries, we dedicate these prayers to world peace, especially in light of the violence and attacks we see in places like Munich, Paris, Nice, and across the United States. We also pray for the Immaculate Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Finally, we pray for those who have left the Lord and His love, and for those who have never known Him. We pray that they may find a shepherd in our Lord Jesus Christ and return to the one true Church.

## Meditations on the Joyful Mysteries

Throughout the Joyful Mysteries—the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Birth of Jesus, the Presentation, and the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple—we reflect on the virtues of humility, love of neighbor, poverty of spirit, obedience, and the joy of finding Christ. 

We remember that our Lord died on the cross and sacrificed His life for all our sins—for the good, the bad, and the indifferent. We pray specifically that those who have separated themselves from the Lord may return to Him and to the Catholic Church under the leadership of Pope Francis.

## A Call to Love

In a world where we see constant attacks and violence, some may believe they are acting out of love for God. But God is love, not hate. He taught us to turn the other cheek and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Heaven itself is love; therefore, if anyone plans to enter heaven, it must be through love and love only.

*The path to heaven is found through love alone, and we must continue to pray the Rosary for world peace and the return of lost souls to the Church.*