Dedicating Our Country to Mary

At 3PM today (EST), May 1, the bishops of the United States will offer prayers to Mary, the Mother of God, dedicating our country to her protection and intercession, that God may have mercy and bring an end to this Corona virus.  (can be seen on EWTN)

In 1541, Europe awaited an invasion.  All Europe prayed the rosary for Mary’s protection and intercession, and at Lepanto a hopelessly outnumbered European fleet defeated the invading hordes.  And the future of the world changed.  Many see, and Marian apparitions around the world say, we are at another world-wide crisis, and alone we cannot defeat the enemy.

I have started to pray the rosary early each morning, for God’s mercy on our country.

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This morning I watched mass on EWTN.  A rosary followed, in preparation for the dedication prayers this afternoon.  They prayed meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries.  I decided to pray along, but my prayers took a unique turn, as I saw Jesus’ Passion through the eyes of His Mother.

1^st Sorrowful Mystery:  The Agony in the Garden.  Even as Jesus saw His coming Passion, Mary sat at home, praying for God’s Mercy, as she felt a coming disaster.  Mary, please pray for God’s mercy on us, as we feel a coming disaster.

2^nd Sorrowful Mystery:  The Scourging at the Pillar.  Jesus felt pain; watching His agony, Mary felt pain.  Mary, pray for God’s mercy on all those suffering pains of this virus, or the pains of loneliness.

3^rd Sorrowful Mystery:  The Crowning with Thorns.  Jesus was alone with His enemies, to be mocked, and told all His life was in vain.  In her heart, Mary was with Him; He was not alone.  Mary, please pray for God’s Mercy on those dying alone of this virus, please be at their side; let them feel your presence.

4^th Sorrowful Mystery:  The Carrying of the Cross.  Jesus saw chaos all around Him, jeering, and crying.  Mary, you walked with Him, please walk with us as we now carry our cross.  Please pray for God’s Mercy, and His strength, and an end to the suffering of this virus.

5^th Sorrowful Mystery:  The Crucifixion.  Jesus, God, suffered and died.  Mary, my sufferings are comparatively little.  At the time of His Crucifixion, no one could see that this was ultimately a good thing, a necessary thing, to bring people to heaven.  Oh Mother, if this suffering in the world is necessary for me and others to get to heaven, I still pray for God’s Mercy --- we’ve seen that prayer can change the world --- but I also pray:  Jesus, I Trust in You.  Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.