# A prayer for protection in the time of a pandemic
*2020-03-17*

> In this episode, Bill Young leads a special prayer of protection provided by Pope Francis and prays the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary for those affected by the global pandemic.

## Prayer for Protection

Tonight we are doing a special prayer that Pope Francis gave us: a prayer for protection in the time of a pandemic. 

Oh Mary, you always brighten our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain while remaining steadfast in faith. O loving Mary, you know what we need. We are confident that you will provide for us as at the wedding at Cana. Intercede for us with your son Jesus, the Divine Physician, and for those who have fallen ill, for those who are vulnerable, and for those who have died. Intercede also for those charged with protecting the health and safety of others, and for those who are tending to the sick and are seeking a cure. 

Help us, O Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who took upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows, to lead us through this cross into the glory of the resurrection. Amen. Under your protection we seek refuge, O Holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

## Intentions for the Holy Rosary

We will now pray our daily rosary. This rosary is for those who have contracted the virus, those who have passed away, and for the souls lost in the world everywhere—from China to Iran, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Israel, all of Europe, the USA, Canada, Mexico, South America, and all the countries in the world. By the last count, this has reached over 120 countries; this is definitely a world event.

## The Opening Prayers

We begin with the Apostles' Creed, the Our Father, and three Hail Marys. The first Hail Mary is for love: that we love our neighbors as ourselves, our enemies, those who are sick, and those taking care of the sick. The second Hail Mary is for hope: that those who are ill with this deadly disease may be cured and that their cases may be mild. The third Hail Mary is for peace: peace for the sick, peace for those who have passed away, peace for their family members, and peace for the healthcare workers and those in charge of them.

## The Glorious Mysteries

Today is Wednesday, and we are praying the Glorious Mysteries. 

First, we meditate on the Resurrection. As Mark 16:6 tells us, 'Do not be amazed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised. He is not here.' 

Second, we meditate on the Ascension. The Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up to heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. The fruit of this mystery is hope. 

Third, we meditate on the Descent of the Holy Spirit. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. The fruit of this mystery is the love of God. 

Fourth, we meditate on the Assumption. We reflect on the glory of the Blessed Mother and the grace of a happy death. 

Fifth, we meditate on the Coronation. A great sign appeared in the sky, and a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars. The fruit of this mystery is trust in Mary's intercession.

## Closing Devotions

We conclude with the Hail Holy Queen and the concluding prayer of the Rosary. We also pray the Catena Magna from the Legion of Mary book: 'Who is she that comes forth as the morning rising? Fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in battle array.' 

We continue to bless all those who are ill with this virus, those who care for them, the souls of those who have passed, and the leaders responsible for trying to solve this crisis.

*While many leaders seek a solution to the pandemic, the true way to find resolution is through our Lord Jesus Christ, Mary, Joseph, and all the saints and angels in heaven.*