# Monday Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Prayers for Souls Separated from the Church
*2021-06-14*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke lead the Monday Chaplet of Divine Mercy, pray for souls who have left the Church, and discuss how to bring people back after the pandemic.

## Opening and Monday Prayer

Bill welcomes listeners and invites them to join the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. He begins with the Monday prayer for souls nearest the entrance to glory:

"O Lord Almighty, I ask you by the precious blood which your Divine Son shed, to deliver the souls in purgatory, especially those nearest the entrance into your glory, that they may, without delay, begin to praise and bless you forever. Amen."

Bill and John then recite the usual opening prayers: the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, Hail Mary, the Apostles' Creed, and a brief prayer invoking the blood and water of Christ.

## The Chaplet and Litany of Divine Mercy

The hosts pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, repeating the familiar prayers of the devotion. Afterward they pray the Litany of Divine Mercy, responding each line with "I trust in you." The litany includes petitions such as “Divine Mercy, source of all life,” “Divine Mercy, who sustains the whole universe,” and “Divine Mercy, who accompanies us through our whole life.”

## Prayer for Souls Who Have Separated from the Church

Bill reflects on the fifth day of the novena, focusing on souls who have separated themselves from the Holy Church, especially in the context of the pandemic. He prays:

"Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon those who have left your Church, who have squandered your blessings. May they feel the love of your Son and be drawn back into the unity of the Church, that they too may glorify your mercy for all ages. Amen."

He emphasizes that Christ’s mercy is always ready to welcome repentant sinners.

## Current Church Concerns: The Abortion Debate

The conversation shifts to the recent U.S. bishops’ discussion of a possible ban on Catholic politicians who support abortion. Bill stresses that divine mercy calls sinners to repentance, not merely to prohibition. He affirms the Church’s teaching that abortion is the taking of innocent life, citing both moral and scientific arguments, and calls for public witnesses to declare that abortion is wrong.

## Hope for a Return to Parish Life

Bill and John conclude by urging listeners to pray for those who have drifted away during the pandemic and to work toward bringing them back to the parish. They ask for prayers for the upcoming bishops’ conference and for the Church’s efforts to restore full liturgical life.

*Divine Mercy invites every soul, even those who have strayed, to return to the Church and be embraced by God’s endless compassion.*