Áve María, grátia pléna, Dóminus técum. Benedícta tū in muliéribus, et benedíctus frúctus véntris túi, Iésus.^[10]Sáncta María, Máter Déi, óra pro nóbis peccatóribus, nunc et in hóra mórtis nóstrae. Ámen.

[Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God,pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.]

A great man and old friend is being laid to rest this weekend.  Tonight his family and friends will pray the Rosary as part of that process.  My prayer for them is that they find comfort in the rite, healing for their broken hearts, and support being together.

The “Hail Mary” is (for me) the cornerstone of the Rosary, and the prayer I’ve said over and over to create a sense of calm within when I’ve struggled, especially over life-changing events with my family.   So though I can’t be at the services for my friend, I send my prayers in his memory and for him, and for his family.

AMEN.