# Praying for Pope Benedict XVI, Damar Hamlin, and Divine Mercy
*2023-01-05*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke open the episode with prayers for Pope Benedict XVI, Bills safety‑player Damar Hamlin, and the Church’s priests and religious, invoking the power of Divine Mercy.

## Opening and Intentions

Bill greets listeners and wishes everyone a happy New Year. He notes the recent passing of Pope Benedict XVI, who died at 95, and asks that we pray for his soul. He also mentions the cardiac arrest of Bills safety Damar Hamlin and invites listeners to join in prayer for his recovery.

## Opening Prayer

Bill leads an opening prayer, invoking the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He asks that the blood and water which flowed from the heart of Jesus be poured out upon us as a source of mercy, and he prays for forgiveness, protection from temptation, and deliverance from evil. The prayer continues with the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed.

## Prayer for Priests, Religious, and the Sick

The hosts pray specifically for the souls of priests and religious, asking that Christ’s infinite mercy sustain them in their ministry. They also intercede for Damar Hamlin, asking that God grant him healing and strength, and for all who are suffering, that they may experience the comfort of Divine Mercy.

## Divine Mercy Prayer

Bill recites the traditional Divine Mercy Chaplet, repeating the refrain, “Eternal God, whose mercy is endless, look kindly upon us and increase your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we may not despair but trust in your holy will.” He concludes with a heartfelt petition for the Church, for priests, for the sick, and for the whole world to be enveloped in God’s boundless mercy.

## Closing Reflection

Bill reminds listeners of the importance of daily prayer, especially the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. He reflects on the Gospel story of the ten lepers, urging us not to be the nine who forget to thank Jesus. He closes with a blessing for families in 2023 and invites listeners to stay in touch via email and social media.

*May we continually trust in God’s infinite mercy, especially in moments of crisis and gratitude.*