In this world full of turmoil, we can turn to our Blessed Mother for help in praying to Jesus. The Rosary is a very useful tool, and the Mysteries of the Rosary are wonderful reminders of the great events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.

With the war waging in the Ukraine, I suggest praying with what I call five Miracle Mysteries of the Rosary. We recall just a few of the numerous miracles Jesus worked. A short meditation or prayer is added after each mystery. Of course, you can add your own thoughts and prayers.

Jesus heals the paralyzed man lowered through the roof. (Mark 2:1-12)

Mother Mary, pray for all those victims who are paralyzed with fear as they flee the ravages of war or shelter in place in their homeland. Ask your son to give them strength and courage to get through the challenges of uncertainty and danger.

Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus. (Mark 10:46-52)

Holy Mary, help us to see the needs of our brothers and sisters. Ask your son to open our eyes to ways in which we can assist people experiencing trauma and abandonment. Show us ways of feeding all who hunger and thirst for food and for freedom.

Jesus heals the woman who suffered with hemorrhages for 12 years. (Mark 5:25-34)

Gentle Mother, pray for us as we strive to assist those who are injured or sick in war-torn countries. Pray with us that Jesus will be especially merciful to those women and mothers who are engaged in the struggle or who are fending for themselves, their children, and elderly relatives as others defend their homeland.

Jesus heals 10 lepers and only one, a Samaritan, thanks him. (Luke 17:11-19)

Queen of Heaven, help us to be grateful for all our earthly blessings and for the best blessing of all, our Savior, your son. Jesus loves and heals people of all races and nationalities, and we pray for that same attitude of inclusivity. Mary, pray for open minds and open, softened hearts so that hostilities can end rapidly.

Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb after four days. (John 11:1-14)

Blessed Mother, your son died so that the doors of heaven would be open to us for all eternity. May those who have died in the invasion of Ukraine find eternal life with Jesus. Please ask your all-powerful son to help those who suffer to rise up with hope and trust in God..

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Since May is dedicated to our heavenly Mother, Mary, I’ve been recalling that I was one of the students in our parochial school who would walk across the driveway to the church and begin each school day afternoon in May by praying the rosary. I remember saying the Mission Rosary sometimes; the beads in each decade are a different color, symbolic of praying for a different part of the world. We prayed for Africa (green), the Americas (red), Europe (white), the Pacific Islands (blue), and Asia and the Middle East (yellow).

In this second year of the Coronavirus pandemic, I thought we might ask Mary’s help as we pray the “Recovery Rosary.” For each of the five decades, no matter which traditional mysteries we use for the day, we could have a special preface prayer and special intention related to health—a topic of concern every day.