# A Chaplet for the Soul of Peter Gentile
*2021-07-17*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke remember their friend Peter Gentile, a former Yankees player and Korean War veteran, and lead a Chaplet of Divine Mercy in his honor.

## Remembering Peter Gentile

Peter Gentile, who passed away at 91, was a former baseball player who briefly played for the New York Yankees. He was slated to replace Joe DiMaggio in center field, but his career was interrupted when he was drafted for the Korean War. After the war, his former roommate Mickey Mantle took the spot, and Peter was offered a return to the minor leagues—a decision he declined. Despite these setbacks, Peter lived a full life, married to Teresa for over 60 years, and was surrounded by children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He remained close with former teammates like Whitey Ford and Mickey Mantle, and he was known for his generosity and caring nature.

## Funeral Reflections

Bill attended Peter’s funeral Mass at St. David’s and shared memories of Peter’s humility and gratitude. He recalled Peter’s habit of meeting friends for coffee on Friday afternoons, where they would reminisce about baseball and life. The hosts emphasized that Peter never harbored bitterness about his baseball career; instead, he focused on family, faith, and service.

## Chaplet of Divine Mercy

The hosts began the Chaplet with an opening prayer invoking the precious blood of Christ:

All‑powerful God, we invoke the blood which flowed from the side of Your Son, Jesus, in the suffering of His holy Mother, that it may bring souls to everlasting glory. Amen.

They then recited the Our Father, Hail Mary, Psalm 30, and the Apostles’ Creed. The Creed was read in two parts, affirming belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, and the communion of saints.

The central prayer of the Chaplet was offered:

Eternal Father, we offer You the Body and Blood of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the sake of His Passion. Have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen.

This prayer was repeated several times, each time invoking mercy for the whole world and for the souls in purgatory, especially those who are lukewarm in faith.

## Special Intentions for Lukewarm Souls

Bill prayed specifically for the souls who are lukewarm, recalling Jesus’ words to Saint Faustina:

“Most compassionate Jesus, you are the compassion itself. I bring to you the lukewarm souls, that they may be set aflame by your love.”

He asked the Father to turn His merciful gaze upon these souls and to grant them the grace of repentance.

## Closing Prayer and Blessing

The episode concluded with a short prayer for freedom from the desire for human praise:

Jesus, free me from the desire for human applause, that I may more fully believe in You and follow the path of life. Amen.

Bill offered a final prayer, asking God’s endless mercy to sustain them in difficult moments and to keep them confident in the Holy Will of love and mercy. He thanked listeners and invited them to join a rosary after the show.

*Even when life’s plans change, a faithful heart can offer lasting gratitude and prayer for the souls we love.*