# A Little Sign of Roses Becomes a Big Sign of Hope
*2023-10-11*

> Bill shares how a fragrant rose scent at a homebound visit on Friday seemed like a sign from Mary, just before the tragic attacks in Israel, and leads a powerful rosary prayer for the victims, hostages, and peace.

## A Unexpected Rose Scent

On Friday morning I was at my usual Legion of Mary meeting at 10 a.m. Afterward I went to the homebound house to bring Holy Communion. As I entered the garden—bare of flowers, just leaves—I was struck by an intense, sweet scent of roses. I’ve experienced that fragrance before in other places, and we always conclude it is a sign from Mary. I asked the husband at the door if he smelled it; he said no. I gave communion to the couple, and the wife’s smile widened as if she were speaking with someone unseen. I didn’t think much of it at the time.

## The Tragedy in Israel

Later that day I told my co‑host John about the rose scent, and we learned of the horrific attacks in Israel—over 1,100 injured, many killed, and dozens of hostages taken. The news showed graphic images of families torn apart, women and children suffering. It was a heartbreaking reality that seemed to follow the gentle sign I had just experienced.

## Why Mary Sends a Sign

I asked myself why Mary would give us a rose fragrance the day before such suffering began. My answer is simple: Mary, together with Jesus, stands with those who are suffering, especially the kidnapped and the bereaved. The scent reminded me that the Mother of God is present even in the darkest moments, offering comfort and intercession.

## The Rosary as Our Weapon

We began a special rosary for the souls who have died, for those still alive but in captivity, and for all who are praying for peace. The rosary, we believe, is the strongest weapon against evil—Jesus’ and Mary’s weapon. We also prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the souls in purgatory and for the conversion of those who hold the hostages.

We recited the Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, and a series of Hail Marys, each intention focusing on peace, love, charity, and the release of the hostages. The mysteries we meditated on were the Glorious Mysteries, especially the Resurrection, the Ascension, Pentecost, the Assumption, and the Coronation of Mary, drawing out the fruits of hope, hope, love, charity, and trust in Mary’s intercession.

## A Call to Prayer and Solidarity

I asked listeners to join in praying the rosary daily for Israel, for the hostages, and for an end to the violence. Even those who do not share our faith can pray for peace and for the protection of innocent lives. I also invited anyone who wants us to pray for a specific person or family to email me at w.r.young12@yahoo.com.

We concluded with a prayer to the Holy Trinity, asking God to forgive our sins, protect us from the fires of hell, and lead the souls most in need to His mercy.

*A simple scent of roses can remind us that Mary is always near, urging us to pray fervently for peace and the release of the innocent.*