# Praying the chaplet of the sacred heart for victims of violence
*2022-06-03*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke lead a series of powerful prayers, including the Chaplet of St. Pio and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, to intercede for the victims of school shootings in Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida.

## Interceding for the victims of violence

On this rainy Friday in South Florida, we are gathering for a special time of prayer. Since June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are focusing our intentions on the victims of the senseless shootings in Texas, Oklahoma, and throughout the country, including our own local community in Parkland, Florida. We pray specifically for the families who are suffering the immense pain of losing a loved one and ask that these horrific killings and murders come to an end across the world.

## The chaplet of St. Pio

We begin by praying a special chaplet that was recited daily by St. Pio for all those who asked him to remember them in his prayers. This prayer is a beautiful way to entrust our intentions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Following the Apostles' Creed, we bring our special intentions before the Lord, asking for the graces of healing and peace for those affected by violence, trusting in the promise that if we ask, we shall receive.

## The divine mercy chaplet and psalm 130

In addition to the Sacred Heart prayers, we pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. We begin with Psalm 130, crying out from the depths for the Lord's mercy, and the Apostles' Creed. Through the repetitions of the Divine Mercy prayers, we offer the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and the sins of the whole world, pleading for mercy on all mankind through His sorrowful passion.

## Consecration and acts of contrition

To conclude our time of prayer, we offer a consecration to the Merciful Heart of Jesus, asking that hate and pride disappear and that love and humility reign in our hearts. We also include the Confiteor and the Act of Contrition, acknowledging our failings and seeking God's forgiveness. We remember the souls in purgatory and the consecrated religious, asking that they be strengthened in their service to the Father of Mercy.

*In times of great tragedy, we must remain humble of heart and turn to the infinite mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.*