The limits imposed by Covid-19 have transformed families

While the continuing coronavirus pandemic has forced the public to spend much of its time at home, it has afforded numerous opportunities to deepen one’s faith through prayer, meditation, Bible readings and other activities.

For Rene Herrera, this period launched what he hopes will become a lifelong devotion by his family to praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Rene is among the millions of Americans whose offices have been closed to discourage the spread of COVID-19. It is a limit transformed into a time to deepen his and his family’s faith.

The 3 o’clock p.m. Holy Hour is considered important, because, as noted on the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary website, it is the hour that recalls Jesus’ death on the cross and the hour that God, in His revelations to Saint Faustina, asked for a special prayer and meditation on His Passion each afternoon.

“… Immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul,” the website states.

On April 3rd, the Herreras each took out a rosary and knelt around a large coffee table. The children began by offering intentions for an end to the global pandemic and for healing and comfort for those suffering or with ill family or friends. Each family member then took turns praying, including reciting the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary (prescribed for Fridays), concluding with the “Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel,” and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

“I like doing this. (I know) God hears me,” smiled Maximus, Rene’s 10 years old son, afterward. “Before,” said Rene, “I would pray the Rosary going to or from work. Now, with the family, we are taking it to the next level. That helps us grow together. It’s a pretty awesome feeling.”

Jeff Grant, The Catholic Sun, May 9, 2020

Adapted from: The Catholic Sun