# Staying Awake in Prayer During the COVID‑19 Trial
*2020-03-01*

> Bill Young reflects on the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, urging listeners to keep prayerful vigilance and offering a Chaplet of Divine Mercy for those afflicted and deceased.

## Opening Thoughts and Current Events

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. I’m sorry for the brief hiatus—last week I helped with the DCC Dolphin Cycling Challenge in Miami Gardens, which also featured a 5K run to fight cancer. Since then the news has been dominated by the coronavirus. At the time of recording there were six deaths reported in the Seattle area, several in an assisted‑living facility, and new cases emerging in Florida, including a 28‑year‑old woman who had recently returned from northern Italy. We pray for those who have died, for the sick, and for all who are suffering worldwide.

## Why Prayer Matters Now

The Gospel reading for today, Matthew 26:41, says, “Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” We do not know the exact hour of any trial—only the Father knows—but the signs are evident: wildfires, earthquakes, and now a pandemic. If public worship is restricted, our access to Mass, the Eucharist, confession, and adoration is limited. The enemy delights when we neglect these graces, so we must double down on prayer, the one weapon the devil cannot defeat.

## Spiritual Resources: Chaplet, Consecrations, and Devotions

I recommend three concrete spiritual practices:
1. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, especially for those who have died from COVID‑19 and for the sick.
2. Begin the 303‑day Consecration to the Divine Trinity (based on the Gospel of John) on March 17, concluding on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19.
3. Observe the nine‑day Consecration to St. Joseph, starting March 10 and ending on his feast day, March 19.
These devotions keep us anchored in the mercy of Christ even when we cannot gather physically.

## The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Let us pray together for the souls lost to the virus and for those battling it:

Lord Jesus, source of life, pour forth your mercy on the whole world. May the blood and water that flowed from your side become a fountain of compassion for all.

Our Father, who art in heaven… (standard Our Father)

Hail Mary, full of grace… (standard Hail Mary)

Apostles’ Creed… (recited)

[The repeated “For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us” prayers are omitted for brevity.]

## Practical Advice and Upcoming Events

Prepare a 14‑day supply of non‑perishable food and water, as we have done for hurricane season in South Florida. Stay informed about local health directives, but also keep the lines of communication open—many parishes will stream Masses, confessions, and adoration online. Finally, I’ll be attending a retreat at St. Maximilian Kolbe in Pembroke Pines on March 19, with confessions and a special Mass. I encourage you to seek out similar opportunities in your area.

*Even in times of trial, staying awake in prayer sustains us and defeats the darkness.*