For a Worldwide Increase in Faith, Hope, Charity

Near the beginning of the recitation of the Rosary, many people traditionally offer the little group of three Hail Marys, "For an increase in the virtues of faith, hope, and charity." My husband humbled me greatly the other day, when leading our family Rosary, by adding one, simple word: "For a WORLDWIDE increase in the virtues of faith, hope, and charity."

It's a small thing, and the "worldwide" probably already was assumed.

But, for me, adding that one, little word now reminds me (and God, I hope, Who already knows -- but still loves to hear from us! -- our heartfelt desires) that the influence of evil is stronger and deeper and more devastating than ever in today's world.

God, however, is stronger and bigger and more powerful than any evil. So, we need Him. All of us. More than ever. And His mother always will lead every heart unerringly to Him.

It will take the concerted, prayerful, worldwide effort of Christianity, God and humanity, to combat the depths of today's evil. Together.

The great parliamentarian Edmund Burke stated, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

The great Capuchin saint St. Padre Pio de Pietrelcina stated, "Pray the Rosary, for the Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world," and, in reference to his rosary, "Bring me my weapon!"

If you can't go to a pro-life march, travel on a mission trip, volunteer at a shelter, serve on an inter-faith committee, attend a conference on human trafficking, etc., you CAN pray your Rosary.

Right now. Any time. For a worldwide increase in the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Together!