# Remembering the End of World War I with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
*2022-10-10*

> Bill Young commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the fallen, especially his great‑uncle Robert B. Young, and reflects on the prophetic message of Our Lady of Fatima.

## A Personal Tribute

I begin by honoring my great‑uncle, Robert B. Young, who fell on May 16, 1916 while serving as a machine‑gunner on the Western Front. He was a Canadian who volunteered with the British forces before the United States entered the war. His grave remains in France, and I have his dog‑tag (No. 33‑497) and medals as a reminder of his sacrifice. I pray that his soul rests in heaven and that all who died for freedom may share in God’s mercy.

## Our Lady of Fatima and the End of the War

In May 1917, the three shepherd children of Fatima received a vision in which Our Lady promised that the war would end within a year—indeed, the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, just a little over a year later. She also warned that if humanity did not change, a greater conflict would follow, which became World II. This anniversary reminds us to consecrate ourselves anew to Mary, our Mother, and to trust in the promises of divine mercy.

## The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

We gathered with rosaries to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. After the Sign of the Cross we recited the opening prayer:

"Eternal God, you are the source of life; pour forth your mercy on the whole world. May the blood and water flowing from the Heart of Jesus be a fountain of mercy for us."

We then prayed the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed, followed by the ten decades of the Chaplet, each decade invoking:

"For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

The concluding prayer asked the Eternal Father to increase His endless mercy in us, especially in moments of difficulty, so that we may submit confidently to His holy will of love.

## St. Faustina’s Litany of Divine Mercy

After the Chaplet, I recited St. Faustina’s Litany of Divine Mercy, proclaiming the boundless mercy of God that flows from the wounds of Christ, sustains the Church, and embraces sinners at the hour of death. Each line affirmed, “Divine Mercy, I trust in you,” echoing the confidence we place in God’s compassion.

## Community Announcements

Our Friday night meetings continue at 3 p.m., with the final lesson (Lesson 10) and closing prayers to the Sacred Heart. We also invite everyone to the free movie “The Power of One,” shown on December 8‑9 at St. David’s Catholic Church, followed by a special 9 a.m. Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Those in South Florida are welcome to join us.

*May the mercy of Christ, revealed in the blood and water of His Heart, bring peace to all who suffered in war and guide us toward a world of lasting peace.*