War has torn our world apart. Violence plagues our neighborhoods, and disputes large and small separate brothers from sisters, children from parents. Peace at any level seems but a dream.
Things were not so different in 1965: the United States and other countries were at war in Vietnam, and India and Pakistan were fighting. In the Catholic Church, the reforms suggested by the Second Vatican Council were underway, causing no small turmoil.
In the face of this chaos, Pope Paul VI issued a short encyclical calling for the faithful to recite the rosary during the month of May to ask the Queen of Heaven to “graciously lend an ear to the devout pleas of those all over the world who beg her for peace. May she enlighten the minds of those who rule nations. And finally, may she prevail on God, who rules the winds and storms, to calm the tempests in men’s warring hearts and grant us peace in our day. ...”
Continuing in Mense Maio, Pope Paul VI wrote, “Looking at the present needs of the Church and the status of world peace, We have sound reasons to believe that the present hour is especially grave and that a plea for concerted prayer on the part of all Christians is a matter of top priority.”
Now, half a century later, our Holy Father is once again requesting that Catholics to pray the rosary while asking for peace during this month dedicated to Mary.
“I invite you to spiritually join me and to prolong for the whole month of May praying the rosary for peace,” Pope Francis said April 29.
I can think of no more worthy gift to request. In the face of our embattled world, let us join the pope in asking Our Lady of Charity, Queen of All Saints, Mother of Mercy, Refuge of Sinners, Untier of Knots, to intercede for us with her Son, that he may grant peace to the world.
Marie Mischel is editor of the Intermountain Catholic.
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