# Praying a rosary for Houston
*2017-08-28*

> Bill Young reflects on the lives of St. Monica and St. Augustine before leading a Joyful Mysteries rosary for the victims of flooding in Houston, Texas.

## The Power of Persistent Prayer

Today is August 28, the feast day of St. Augustine of Hippo. Looking back at yesterday's feast of St. Monica, we remember her as the mother who never stopped praying for her prodigal son. Augustine had lived a life focused more on the flesh than the spirit, but through Monica's persistence and the guidance of St. Ambrose, he converted and was baptized at age 33. He went on to become a priest, a bishop, and eventually a saint.

I have a prodigal son of my own who followed a similar path, baptized and confirmed but later swayed away by the world. I ask St. Ambrose, through Mary and Jesus, to help him find the truth that Augustine found. In today's secular society, many believe only in science and not in God, forgetting that science itself comes from God. As Pope Francis recently reminded us, we must have faith and pray for those children who have wandered away from the Church.

## Faith Amidst the Floods

Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Houston, Texas, and all the areas affected by the devastating flooding. I saw a story on Twitter about a man and his young son who had lost everything on their property. When asked what they were going to do, the father simply said, 'I don't know, but I have faith in God.'

It is our job to support them. I hope the Church will organize special collections for the parishes in the Houston area. We pray not only for physical relief but for peace of heart and harmony during this time of tribulation.

## A Prayer of Reparation

Before beginning the rosary, I want to share the sacrificial prayer given to the children of Fatima on July 13, 1917. It is a vital prayer for our times: 'O Jesus, this is for love of You, for the conversion of poor sinners, and in reparation for offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.'

## The Joyful Mysteries for Houston

We offer this rosary—the Joyful Mysteries—for those suffering in Texas. We begin with three introductory Hail Marys: the first for peace, specifically the peace of love through God for those affected by current and future hurricanes; the second for love of neighbor; and the third for hope, for those who have lost all material possessions but still hold onto their faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through the mysteries of the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Birth of Jesus, the Presentation, and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple, we ask for the fruits of humility, love of neighbor, poverty of spirit, obedience, and the joy of finding Jesus. We pray that the faith of those struggling in Houston will carry them through, knowing that anything is possible when you believe in God Almighty.

*May the faith of those who have lost everything in Houston carry them through, and may we support them through both prayer and financial generosity.*