# Praying for the persecuted in Cuba and the Divine Mercy
*2021-07-25*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke discuss reports of torture and war crimes against protesters in Cuba and lead the community in the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

## Interceding for the Souls in Purgatory

We begin today with an indulgent prayer for the most destitute souls in need of spiritual aid. Oh Lord God Almighty, I ask you, by the precious blood which your divine Son Jesus shed in the garden, deliver the souls in perpetuity, especially the soul among them which is almost destitute of spiritual aid, that they may be brought to your glory and praise and bless you forever. Amen.

## Horrors in Cuba

I recently attended a birthday party with my wife's family, many of whom are Cuban-Americans with relatives still on the island. I was shocked to hear reports of what is happening to those who have demonstrated against the government. While I knew people were being illegally arrested, I did not know they were being tortured and killed. I've heard accounts of eyes being plucked out and fingernails being ripped off while people are still alive. This is horrible torture; these are war crimes and a holocaust against their own people.

I plead with the Archdiocese of Miami, the Vatican, and Pope Francis to speak out. We need the United Nations to investigate and account for every missing person. The Biden administration and Senator Rubio must do more than just impose a few sanctions. When a government must torture and kill its own citizens to maintain control, it is no longer a legitimate government. We cannot remain silent, because silence in the face of such injustice is just as bad as the acts themselves.

## The Role of Catholic Conscience

This is why we call this podcast 'Catholic Conscience 2.0.' A Catholic conscience compels us to speak out against such atrocities. We must pray for the victims, their families, and for the world to wake up to these injustices. I encourage everyone to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, especially at the 3 o'clock hour, for those being tortured and killed, and for those whose families have been torn apart by government repression.

## Divine Mercy Devotions

Joining me now is John O'Rourke, who is recovering from cancer treatments. Together, we pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, beginning with the opening prayer: 'O fountain of life and unfathomable divine mercy, envelop the whole world and empty yourself out upon us.'

Following the Chaplet, we observe Day Two of the Novena to Divine Mercy, focusing on the souls of priests and religious. As Jesus said to St. Faustina, these are the ones who gave Him strength to endure His bitter passion. We ask the Eternal Father to turn His merciful gaze upon the chosen ones in His vineyard, endowing them with strength and light so they may guide others toward salvation.

*We must use our Catholic conscience to speak out against injustice and turn to the Divine Mercy of Jesus to intercede for the persecuted.*