# Praying for the persecuted in Cuba and the Divine Mercy
*2021-07-26*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke gather to pray the Chaplet and Litany of Divine Mercy, specifically interceding for those being tortured and killed for protesting for freedom in Cuba.

## Crisis in Cuba

We are continuing our intentions for those who have lost their lives protesting for freedom in Cuba. It is heartbreaking to hear the reports of the severity of the violence; we are hearing that people are not just being arrested and beaten, but are being subjected to horrific torture, including having their eyes and fingernails pulled out. These are war crimes and they should be punished as such.

I have heard these reports through my wife's family and others in the Cuban community. While some officials like Senator Rubio have been outspoken, we need more leadership to speak specifically about the torture. We cannot remain silent, because when you are silent, you are essentially agreeing with what is happening. We look to the example of Saint John Paul II, who spoke out against the regimes in communist Europe. Our leaders and our Church should be speaking up on behalf of the Cuban people.

## Faith and Community Support

It was a blessing to have John O'Rourke join us today. John has been going through some health challenges and treatments, but he is feeling better each day. It is a reminder that we must take things one day at a time and remain positive. 

I also want to mention the importance of honoring the Blessed Mother. I've been reflecting on the ten virtues of Mary—her purity, prudence, humility, mercy, sorrow, and patience. These virtues are rooted in Scripture, and by meditating on them, we can draw closer to the purity and strength she modeled for us.

## The Divine Mercy and Purgatory

As we enter the 3 o'clock hour, we turn to the Divine Mercy. We pray that the rays of Our Lord's mercy reach the people in Cuba and their families. We also dedicate time to the souls in Purgatory. Today, being Monday, we offer specific indulgent prayers for those souls, especially those nearest to the entrance of heaven, that they may be delivered into the light of God's presence.

We also reflect on the third day of the Divine Mercy novena, where Jesus asks us to bring all devoted and faithful souls to Him to be immersed in the ocean of His mercy. These souls provided consolation to Him on the way of the Cross, and we ask that His grace be poured out in abundance upon all of us.

## Prayer and Sacrifice

We concluded our time together with the Chaplet and the Litany of Divine Mercy, affirming our trust in the Lord's mercy for the whole world and especially for sinners. I encourage everyone to use the sacrificial prayer when facing physical, mental, or emotional struggles. By offering our suffering for the love of Jesus and the conversion of sinners, we find a deeper purpose in our trials.

*We must not remain silent in the face of injustice and war crimes, but instead turn to the Divine Mercy to intercede for the oppressed and the suffering.*