# The Rosary before the storm: Hurricane Irma
*2017-09-17*

> Recorded in the dark during a power outage, Bill Young leads a recitation of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary to seek protection and strength for those in the path of Hurricane Irma.

## Prayer in the Darkness

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer N Lunch podcast and Block Talk radio show. Today is Saturday, September 17th. We have a bit of a situation here; we are under a hurricane warning and our electricity went out about 45 minutes ago. I am recording this on my iPad in the dark, and I hope we can get it uploaded once the power returns.

## Intentions for the Joyful Mysteries

As we begin the Rosary, I am using a bilingual booklet titled 'Let Us Pray the Rosary.' Before we enter the mysteries, we offer our first three Hail Marys for world peace, for the love of our neighbors and enemies, and for hope—specifically praying that those in the path of the hurricane will be safe.

We offer the Joyful Mysteries for several intentions: for married couples, that they may cherish their vows and grow in love; for children, that they may be respectful and receive a Christian education; for doctors and nurses, that they may love and protect human life; for priests, that they may remain faithful to Christ and the Church; and for the religious, that they may increase in the joy of their consecration.

## Meditating on the Joyful Mysteries

We reflect first on the Incarnation of Jesus, recalling the Angel Gabriel's visit to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth and her courageous response: 'I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you have said.'

Next, we meditate on the Visitation, where Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. Upon hearing Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in Elizabeth's womb, and Elizabeth proclaimed, 'You are the most blessed among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.'

We then contemplate the Birth of the Son of God in Bethlehem, where Mary wrapped her firstborn in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

Finally, we reflect on the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, where the righteous man Simeon recognized the Messiah and declared Him the light revealed to the nations, and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple at age twelve, where He reminded His parents that He must be in His Father's house.

## A Plea for Protection

We conclude our prayer today with the Hail Holy Queen, asking our gracious advocate to turn her eyes of mercy toward us. As the storm prepares to hit, we pray specifically for those currently in the path of this great hurricane, that they may be protected by our Lord Jesus Christ.

## Interceding for the Afflicted

Our prayers also extend to those who have already been impacted by the storm in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. We pray for the souls of those who have died, for those who are sick or injured, and for those who have suffered great loss, that they may find the means and the strength to get through this difficult and challenging time in their lives.

*In the face of natural disasters and uncertainty, we turn to the Rosary to find peace and intercede for the safety and recovery of all those affected.*