# A Rosary for the Victims of School Shootings *2022-06-02* > Bill Young and John O'Rourke pray a special rosary for those killed and injured in the recent school shootings in Texas, Oklahoma, and elsewhere, reflecting on the Luminous Mysteries. ## Opening Prayer Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young with John O’Rourke. We begin with the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. We recite the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. ## Hail Mary Intentions First Hail Mary – for hope that these tragedies will cease. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Second Hail Mary – for faith to endure this time of suffering. [Same prayer as above] Third Hail Mary – for love for the families who have lost loved ones. [Same prayer as above] ## The Luminous Mysteries – Baptism of Jesus We pray the Luminous Mysteries because today is Thursday. The first mystery is the Baptism of Jesus. After Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and the voice of the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” We ask that the Holy Spirit open our hearts to His grace. Our Father… (repeat as above). Hail Mary… (repeat as above). ## The Luminous Mysteries – Further Meditations Second mystery: the Wedding Feast at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle, showing His power to transform ordinary life into something holy. Our Father… Hail Mary… Third mystery: the Proclamation of the Kingdom, where Jesus calls us to repentance and trust in God. Our Father… Hail Mary… Fourth mystery: the Transfiguration, a foretaste of the glory to come. Our Father… Hail Mary… Fifth mystery: the Institution of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. We recall Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “This is my body… this is my blood… the new covenant in my blood.” Our Father… Hail Mary… ## Closing Prayer Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Lord Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead our souls to heaven, especially those who most need Your mercy. We thank God for this special rosary for the victims and their families in Texas, Oklahoma, Parkland, and all other places affected by school shootings. May we continue to pray without ceasing. John, as you always say—keep praying the rosary every day. May our prayers bring peace. God bless you all. *Prayer, especially the rosary, remains a powerful response to the suffering caused by gun violence.*