# Rosary for the sick and the virtues of the Blessed Mother
*2021-07-14*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke lead a special Rosary dedicated to the sick, commemorating the 104th anniversary of the apparitions at Fátima.

## Prayers for the Suffering

Today marks the 104th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima on July 13, 1917. In honor of this, we are offering a special Rosary for the sick and for those suffering from coronavirus. We remember specifically the soul of Peter Eric Kingston, the father of a longtime ministry leader at St. Maximillian, who passed away in May. We also lift up those battling cancer and childhood diseases.

Beyond physical illness, we pray for those suffering under political oppression. We specifically pray for a holy priest in Cuba who was recently arrested and beaten for speaking out in favor of freedom. We remember that martyrs are made from such faithfulness to our Lord.

## The Fátima Prayers

It is important to remember that on July 13, 1917, Our Lady gave the children not only the sacrificial prayer but also the decade prayer that we say after the Glory Be: 'O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.'

While the decade prayer is very popular, the sacrificial prayer is just as important. When we endure suffering, make sacrifices, or offer up mortifications, we can pray: 'O Jesus, this is for the love of You, for the conversion of poor sinners, and in reparation for offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.' We all face pains and sufferings in life; by praying this, we turn those struggles into a means for the conversion of sinners.

## The Sorrowful Mysteries and the Ten Virtues

In this episode, we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries: the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion. To deepen our meditation, we incorporate the Chaplet of the Ten Virtues of our Blessed Mother. 

As we pray each Hail Mary, we reflect on Mary as being Most Pure, Most Prudent, Most Humble, Most Faithful, Most Devout, Most Obedient, Most Poor, Most Patient, Most Merciful, and Most Sorrowful. These virtues are not our own inventions but are rooted in the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

## Reflections on 'The Chosen'

Closing the episode, we discuss the season two finale of 'The Chosen.' We were particularly struck by the portrayal of Simon Peter and how the actor captures the small gestures and leadership qualities that foreshadow his role as the head of the Church. We also admire the charisma of the actor playing Jesus, who serves as the anchor of the series. It is a wonderful tool for reflecting on the Gospels and the support the Blessed Mother provided to the Apostles.

*Offer up your daily pains and sacrifices through the sacrificial prayer to help the conversion of sinners and honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary.*