# Prayer for Louisiana: Our Lady in Times of Trouble
*2016-08-21*

> Bill Young leads a special prayer for the flood‑stricken people of Louisiana on the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, invoking Our Lady’s intercession for those suffering loss and hardship.

## Feast of the Queenship of Mary

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is Monday, August 22, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. The Church teaches that after the Assumption, Mary was crowned Queen of Heaven, sharing in the kingship of her Son, Jesus Christ. As we honor her queenship, we turn to her for help, especially for those in need.

## Prayers for Louisiana

We are praying for our brothers and sisters in Louisiana who have been devastated by recent flooding. Many have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihood. We ask that God grant them strength, comfort, and the assistance they need to rebuild. If you have a personal prayer intention for Louisiana, please share it with us.

## Prayer to Our Lady in Times of Trouble

Holy Virgin Mary, you reign in glory with Jesus, your Son. Remember us in our sadness. Look kindly on all who are suffering or fighting against any difficulty. Have pity on those separated from loved ones, on the loneliness of our hearts, on the weakness of our faith, and on those who weep, pray, or fear. Obtain for all of us hope, peace, and justice.

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, banished children of Eve; we lift up our sighs, our mourning, and our tears. Turn your most gracious advocacy and eyes of mercy toward us. After this exile, show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O loving, sweet Virgin Mary, pray for us that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

## Specific Intentions for Louisiana

We pray for the souls of those who died in the floods, for families who have lost loved ones, and for those whose homes have been destroyed. May they find shelter, whether with the Red Cross, Catholic Charities, or the kindness of neighbors. May they feel the security of God’s love even amid disaster.

## Closing Prayer

Blessed Holy Mother Mary, blessed are those who believe in your intercession. Amen.

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.

*In times of trouble, we turn to Mary, Queen of Heaven, trusting that her maternal care brings hope and healing.*