# Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows Amid Hurricane Irma
*2017-09-20*

> Bill Young leads a prayer of the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, interceding for those affected by Hurricane Irma, the Mexico City earthquake, and other hardships, while reflecting on recent saintly commemorations.

## Opening Prayer and Current Crises

Good morning. I’m Bill Young, and today—September 20th—we’ll pray the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows. First, let us lift up our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico who are still suffering from Hurricane Irma, as well as the victims of the recent earthquake in Mexico City. We also pray for those still homeless in the Florida Keys and for all the Caribbean islands battered by recent storms.

## Personal Update

We survived the hurricane with only minor inconveniences: eight days without power, a brief water shortage at my mother’s condo, and having to close our eyes while showering. Thank God for keeping us safe.

## A Note on the Masons

I wanted to address a recent article by Fr. William Sanders, a respected priest and dean at Notre Dame Graduate School of Christian Studies. The piece clarifies why Catholics cannot belong to the Masonic fraternity, citing historical misunderstandings and the incompatibility of Masonic rites with Catholic doctrine.

## The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

[The Apostles’ Creed is recited]

For each of the seven sorrows we say:

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.

[Each sorrow is followed by a petition for a specific virtue—humility, generosity, patience, chastity, temperance, charity, and diligence—paired with the Hail Mary.]

## Closing Prayer and Saint of the Day

Our Lord Jesus Christ, grant that today and at the hour of our death we may be united with the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose soul was pierced by the sword of sorrow during Your Passion. May we receive her intercession and grow in love and holiness. Through Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.

Today’s feast commemorates Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean-born priest, and his companions, martyrs of the 19th century. May their prayers bring peace to the Korean peninsula.

*In the midst of natural disasters and personal trials, we turn to Mary’s sorrows for comfort and to the saints for intercession.*