Christina's spinal malformations

My dear friend and outstanding pro-life physician, Dr Judy Mascolo recommended a CAT scan for Christina before OKing horseback riding. Thank God for her cautious wisdom!! The malformations have been there since birth and explain why Christina holds her head to one side.
Monday I met with a neurosurgeon, Dr Jonathan Martin, at Conneticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford and saw what concerned Dr Mascolo; her spinal malformations. Very frightening indeed!

Her top vertebrae in the cervical spine are warped, have extra bone in places, the top vertebra is fused to her cranium, and the fifth bone is missing on the left side, yet the upper vertebra has moved down to fill the gap;  they resemble ice which began to melt and then re-froze in bad position. She may need surgery to make the opening in the center of her vertebrae larger for her spinal chord. This is very scary and we will need your prayers as we do an MRI and then meet with her doctors to make this crucial decison.

Meanwhile, I am meeting with officials in her school to explain why she needs constant one on one supervision and greatly reduced activities. I hate to deny her the  playscape and swings, but we must err on the side of caution, since a wrong move may mean paralysis.

Please pray for my back

How many times have I reminded myself that when you are doing something beautiful for God, you pay a price. The enemy tries to prevent me from publishing "A Special Mother is Born". Now, for the past week, I have been flat on my back with spasms. Painful ones. I am tired of offfering it up. I want relief prayers. Now.

UPDATE Sept 24: Thank you, my back is still bad, but I finally found a new chiropractor here in CT (I haven't bothered since our move over 2 years ago this month, a case of mom's priorities come last coming back to haunt me) and they seem to have pinpointed the problem as a locked spine in my mid back, which is leaning on the muscles and causing spasms.
 I will be going on Monday for some relief, please God.
Meanwhile, I'm resting and on medication, oh, except for the Ave Maria Banquet, Mass on Sunday, then its Cennacle Sunday at the Friary. I'll be on heavy pain meds, so I can't drive to any of these events, but I'm still going.
Thank God for my husband and teenagers in my house who can drive!

The results of my eye exam were good; for now

Here is what Dr Vavvas of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary told me.

I have a 1.7mm high choroidal nevur behind my right eyeball. He called it a 'suspicious lesion'. It's smaller than the 2 mm which they use as the cutoff point for concern, and I have no additional symptoms like detached retina, flashing lights, floaters, pain, etc. So it may be nothing, however, we are being cautious and monitoring it.

Since they don't have any photos to compare the growth or non-growth of the lesion, they will examine me in six months in December to see if there are any changes. This could develop into a uveal melanoma and require the insertion of a button with radiation to kill the cancer. This could damage my better-than-perfect eyesight in my eye. I have had excellent eyesight up to now, thanks be to God.

The doctor I saw was covering for Dr Gragoudas, who 'wrote the book' on treating this type of condition without removing tissue from the eyeball. I am trying to modify my diet and pray during these six months that God has given me to be able to save myself from surgery which may damage my vision.

Thank you all for your prayers. They keep me going.

Leticia

Eye exam tomorrow

Tomorrow, as Pat Gohn has predicted, I will be going to Harvard University Medical Schools, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary for an exam. I will let you know how it goes.
 I had a beautiful Memorial Day with friends, crowning Our Lady, and attending Mass for the Feast of the Visitation.
I feel those prayers, keep them coming.

A Message from Mary Ellen Barrett

When a tragedy hits, sometimes the newspapers get it wrong. This happened when my friend, Mary Ellen Barrett's 14 year old autistic son Ryan was found dead at a family campout this Friday.
I have her permission to share her side of the story with you. Ryan will be buried in a Mass concelebrated with Mary Ellen's uncle Msgr Robert Brennan and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, whom Ryan had hoped to join this Wednesday.
Please keep the Barretts in your prayers.

"Ryan was a light in our lives and now that he is forever at the feetof Christ his light will shine even brighter for us.I know it’s been difficult for everyone, getting information piecemeal.
Here are some details, please feel free to share them or any part of this email.

Ryan was playing in a little stream a few yard from the campsite. His father and the others knew where he was and he was in view. Other kids were near him but after a bit they spread out. They were all very excited to be in the campsite, they had only just arrived. When theyc alled the kids for prayers Ryan didn’t come and after a very short time the rangers were called and then the state police and firemarshals.
They searched with dogs (my poor Ryan so terrified of them). Dave called me at 11:30pm and then every hour until our dear friend,who was scheduled to go up there Sat with his four boys, drove me upat 4:30am. I arrived there at about 8:00 and they were searching with a helicopter and infrared radar as well as divers. He was found atabout 10:30.
In the five minutes between the other kids being thereand his being called Ryan had a grand mal seizure and slipped into the stream, his body was found a few feet away in a drain in a culvert.
It is believed the seizure is what killed him although we don’t have confirmation of that yet. When Dave and I saw him, he looked very peaceful and that was of great comfort to us. Ryan received last rites at the campsite, two priests against all odds showed up in the middle of the woods at exactly the right time toadminister the sacrament. Only Ryan could have arranged that.
It was reported that Ryan wandered off and some reports were quite cruel in their tone. It just is not true. We did a brief interview with Newsday to try to correct that and have since had my brother dealing with turning away all of the news agencies. They have been like barbarians at the gate.
In the last 48 hours we have been so blessed by all of the prayers and love that we have received. My friend Chris has completely taken overand has made it possible for us to not have to think.
The Knights ofColumbus and Squires have also been incredible. I know all of the people on IHM and MO have been contacting Chris and lining up to help and we are just so grateful. The pain that David and I are in is too unbearable to speak about. I ask for your prayers for us and our children. Katie and Erin inparticular are old enough to understand and are completely devastated. Every time I look at them my heart breaks all over again. The little ones are sad and confused, not really understanding.
We are very mindful of how sad this is going to be for all of Ryan’ s friends in IHM. For many it will be there first experience with losinga friend and Dave and I are offering up some of our sorrow for their comfort. They have lost a dear friend but gained a mighty intercessor. In the coming weeks we will read all of the emails and posts and doour best to respond to everyone, in the meantime please be assured ofour gratitude and love for you all. "

How typical of Mary Ellen to offer up her sufferings for Ryan's friends! I hope to attend his funeral Wednesday.

Urgent prayer request for the Barrett family

My friend MaryEllen Barrett's son Ryan, age 14 who was autistic, has drowned in a father-son campout North-South Lake upstate New York.

Here is her blog post.

Please pray for the Barrett family in this unspeakably tragic time.

Jesus, enfold Ryan and his family in your loving arms.
Sorrowful Mother, pray for them, you lost your son, help this family heal their broken hearts.
Update: here's a news article about Ryan.
Ryan's wake will be:
Lindenhurst Funeral Home
242 S. Wellwood Ave.
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
(631)957-030
Monday and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-10

Funeral mass (Wednesday) to be concelebrated by Msgr. Robert Brennan and
Franciscan Friars of the Renwal

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish
210 S. Wellwood Ave.
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
(631)226-7725

Ryan wanted to be a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, so donations to the Friars would be welcome.
Contact: Charlie Moran
Evergreen Florist
583 S. 7th St.
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
(631)226-0015
Update:
The Lindenhurst Knights of Columbus are offering their hall for a luncheon after the funeral mass. It is potluck, so those coming should bring food to share.
The autopsy revealed that Ryan had a gran mal seizure which may be why he died in the water and his body drifted downstream. Here is the story in Newsday.

Catholic author Regina Doman lost her son Joshua Michael and compiled this list of helpful suggestions based upon her experience of loss.

Founder of Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver

The Kennedy and Shriver families have gathered at the bedside of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Let's pray for this beautiful woman who began the Special Olympics in her back yard.
Let's also pray for her family to follow her noble example, especially Teddy who is approaching death as well.

I'm a columnist at Catholic Mom

My first column is up at Catholic Mom. com. It's on my little saint, Christina and how she prayed to Our Lady for my mother's recovery from cancer. I knew it was up when I got the loveliest email from Mary Catherine Williams, saying,
"Your story which appeared in CatholicMom.com brought tears to my eyes. I know in my heart Christine was talking to Our Blessed Mother asking to intercede on your mother's behalf. I am a healthcare worker and know cancer rears its ugly head too often. I will remember your mother in my prayers.
You are blessed to have Christine. Somehow I think you already know that."
Thank you Mary Catherine and all of you who made such supportive comments with promises to pray for Mom. She is very gratefull; she says our prayers are sustaining her.

When saying "no" hurts

This Sunday, I found myself in the heartbreaking situation of bringing someone to Mass who wanted to receive communion and couldn't. Only this time, it wasn't a strayed adult living in sin, but an innocent 7 year old boy who has never been baptized. He asked to join us at Mass though his parents, our house guests, were not going, and sat dutifully at his grandmother's side, quiet as a cricket though he could see very little in the packed church besides the traditional architecture of the 100 year old building and the lifelike Stations of the Cross.
Maybe it was the solemn beauty of the Mass which held his attention. I can remember similar scenes from my childhood, seeing nothing but the backs of well-dressed people, yet the the traditional smells and bells of the Mass told me that this is a holy place. When the crowd parted for communion, I could spy the fresco of St Joseph and the child Jesus at the carpenter's bench next to the altar. It spoke volumes about fatherly love. The organ playing the hymns which shook the floor with awesome tremors told me that God was mighty. I loved going to Mass in such a beautiful church, and moved to this parish far from our home so that my daughters could experience the same reverence for the unspeakable power of the mystery of the Body and Blood of Jesus on the altar.

Perhaps he felt this love of God in the Mass, and that is why the little guy changed his mind on the communion line behind my daughter, and moved his arms from the crossed "I do not receive, just bless me"position we taught him, to the folded hands of a communicant. My sister-in-law pointed this out to me, and I make a beeline to join him in line and explain to Father that we only wanted a blessing for him.
It broke my heart to do that, this little boy is not at fault; it was his grandparents who failed to baptize his mother, who had no desire to give him any instruction in the faith. It is a sad legacy which is played out more and more in our Church. This young child's father has abandoned him and his mother is living with a boyfriend who gave her another son. No one in his home attends Mass, though his little brother was baptized last January, his parents expressed no interest in taking him to classes for Baptism. I watched as he looked on as his brother's Baptism with more than a little envy. It broke my heart.
After Mass, I brought the little boy up to the statue of St Joseph and the Child Jesus after Mass, and reminded him that he and Jesus both had foster fathers named Joseph, and he smiled. I joined him in prayer for his mother to sign him up for catechism classes. We lit a candle together, and he left the church happy for a few minutes in the playground as a reward for good behavior.

I hope that his mother will take my suggestion to heart and sign him up for catechism classes. I know that the example of this innocent child seeking the grace of God could to bring his whole family into a state of grace. This will be on my list of prayer intentions.
Please join me as we pray for all children who wonder who Jesus is and if God hears them when they pray. May their families take the time to teach them about the love of God.

Mom has been richly blessed

A big hug to all of you who are remembering to pray for my mother who is ill with cancer. She has been hosptialized since her birthday July 5 ,and is holding court every day with a constant flow of visitors. We have to ask people to postpone their visits to give Mom time to rest. Her visitors have included no fewer than six priests.
Mom has been annointed with the Sacrament of the Sick and received the Apostolic Blessing which carries with it a Plenary Indulgence. She is peaceful and offers up her suffering for her nurses and family. Dad is sleeping at her side in the hospital and my brother Bill the RN is a constant advisor and comfort. Rob my other brother keeps the dog company and gives Dad time to go to Mass on Sundays. I come down with the girls on the weekend to clean the house for Mom's return sometime this week.
Keep the prayers coming, God is good.

Mom

We are praying more intently than ever for Mom, who has widespread late stage cancer.
Please join us.

Please pray for my mother

Yesterday my mother was admitted to the hospital for suspected gallbladder inflammation. Now, after an MRI, it appears much worse. She may have cancer, and the word sends a cold shock of fear into your system when it's said with reference to someone you love.
Please pray for her, her name is Eleanor Crafa.
Please join us in a Pentecost Novena, starting today.
UPDATE 5/22
Mom is home from the hospital resting. She did not have surgery. She will have further testing in Manhattan with a specialist renowned in this field.
Your continued prayers are appreciated.

Novena for the Conversion of President Barack Obama

Please begin this novena for the intention of invoking St. Josephine Bakhita's intercession for the complete conversion of President Obama and in particular that he be directed by the power of the Holy Spirit to call for an end to the evil of abortion that destroys the sacredness of life. Novena begins on January 30th or 31st. St. Bakhita's feastday is February 8th.
PASS IT ON!
St. Josephine Bakhita, Virgin

PRAYERO Holy Trinity,Father, Son and Holy Spirit,we thank you for the giftsof humility and charitywhich you bestowed onBlessed Josephine Bakhita.Deign to glorify herfor her singular virtuesand grant the prayersof those who invoke her,Amen

Loving God, rewarder of the humble, you blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with charity and patience. May her prayers help us, and her example inspire us to carry our cross and to love you always. Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom and love with which you filled St. Josephine Bakhita. By serving you as she did, may we please you by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. To obtain the favor of President Barack Hussein Obama's conversion through the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, please also say an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be and kindly remember to pray for our suffering Christian brothers and sisters in Sudan, her native land, who at this very moment are being persecuted, sold into slavery, and converted against their will to the Muslim religion.
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More information on St. Bakhita below:

Bakhita was born in Eastern Sudan around 1869 and was captured by slave traders, who named her Bakhita, which means "lucky one".
Bakhita came from a happy, loving tribal family, which consisted of her parents, three brothers, and four sisters. In comparison to other African tribal families, her family was well to do, as her uncle was the village chief and her father owned cattle and large plantations. When Bakhita was about nine years old, slave traders captured her.
During the course of her life, she was sold five times before she received her freedom. She was subjected to many cruel tortures, some of which included whip lashing, which tore off her flesh, and being tattooed multiple times on her body via incisions with a razor and having salt rubbed into her womb. Despite the cruel treatments, she had no resentment or bitterness in her heart, but prayed for those who hurt her.
When Bakhita’s fourth owner, Callisto (Legnani), an agent of the Italian Consul in Sudan, was recalled to Italy, Bakhita insisted on accompanying him, and her master could not refuse her. On the ship bound for Italy, however, the Consul gave Bakhita to some fellow countrymen, Mr. and Mrs. Micheli, who needed a nanny for their child in Mirano Veneto, Italy.
It was in Italy at age 21 that the Canossian Sisters in Venice introduced Bakhita to the Catholic faith. Accompanying the five-year-old child she cared for to the Sister’s boarding school in Venice, Bakhita received religious instruction along with the child. When the child’s parents returned from Sudan to take them both back to Africa, Bakhita refused to go, but insisted that she remain in Italy to complete her religious instruction and to practice her faith. When Mrs. Michieli's pleas and threats toward Bakhita failed, she appealed to the King’s Procurator, who informed her that slavery was illegal in Italy. Bakhita was now a free woman – free to serve the One she loved. Approximately two months later, on January 9, 1890, Bakhita was baptized and confirmed and was given the names Josephine and Margaret and Bakhita. She also made her first Holy Communion on the same day.
Bakhita continued her studies at the school for four more years, then began her postulancy with the Canossian Sisters on December 3, 1893, in the same house where she had lived for five years. On the feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 1896, Sr. Josephine made her final vows at the Motherhouse in Verona, where the foundress, Magdalene of Canossa, had lived and died.
For six years, Bakhita remained in Venice, performing simple household tasks. Then, in 1902, she was transferred to Schio, a small town in the beautiful mountain area of northern Italy. Her first assignment there was as a cook. She sought to do her best, taking special care that the food she prepared was as pleasing as possible and she even heated the dishware in the winter to ensure warm meals for the boarding school girls and the Sisters.
In 1935, the Sisters asked Sr. Josephine to go on a speaking tour to tell her faith story as a form of missionary work. The shy and modest Sister reluctantly consented, as she disliked being the center of attention. She relayed her witness to captivated audiences for the next year and always did so "For God’s Glory." For the next two years, she served as the doorkeeper at the Sister’s missionary novitiate in Milan.
In 1938, Sr. Josephine’s health was beginning to decline, so she returned to Schio to perform household chores. She celebrated a joyous golden 50th anniversary as a religious on December 8, 1943 with nearly the whole town present, congratulating and thanking her for all her work.
As Bakhita’s life drew to a close, she began to spend more time with the Lord, gazing upon Him in the tabernacle or on the crucifix and praying. She spent much time in prayer for her fellow missionary Sisters."
At times, I have sleepless nights: then I feel bored and sad. But I do not pay any attention to it: I offer my suffering and I feel happy. I thank God for the many graces granted me, happy to have something to offer in return, as a token of my gratitude."
As she was nearing the end of her life on this earth, some of her Sisters, expressed their concerns and fears about God’s judgement to her, to which Bakhita replied, "When a person loves another, she wishes to be together [with him], so why be afraid? Death takes us to God."She added, "I am going slowly, slowly towards eternity…I carry two bags with me; one contains my sins, the other, much heavier, contains the infinite merits of Jesus Christ. When I appear before the tribunal of God, I will cover my ugly bag with the merits of Our Lady. Then, I shall open the other and will present to the eternal Father the merits of His Son Jesus. I will tell Him: "Now, judge from what you see."
Sister Josephine suffered from a violent attack of pneumonia in the winter of 1947 and her fever caused her to go through periods of delirium and unconsciousness. When she regained consciousness, someone asked her, "How are you Sr. Josephine? Today is Saturday." As she lay dying, she replied, "Yes, I am so happy: Our Lady, Our Lady!" These were her last words on February 8, 1947.
Pope John Paul II canonized St. Josephine Bakhita on October 1, 2000.
"Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God!"~ St. Josephine Bakhita
Visit this website to learn more about the life of St. Josephine: Bakhita: African Flower . It contains a poem commissioned by the Canossian Daughters of Charity and a pictoral biography.
Bakhita: African Flower (1869-1947)
Bakhita (Arabic for "fortunate one") was only a young child in the Sudan when she was kidnapped, imprisoned, and sold into slavery. The winds of change blew her first into freedom, and then into religious communal life with the Canossian Daughters of Charity in northern Italy. Despite the horrific cruelty and torture to which she had been subjected, Bakhita never condemned those who treated her badly. She continually praised the circumstances of her life which led her to her religious vocation. Serving as a missionary, she often closed her talks with the following words:
"Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know him. What a great grace it is to know God!"
Bakhita was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 17 May 1992. Eight years later she was canonised on 1 October 2000, at the Basilica of San Pietro in Rome, a Saint of the Jubilee Year. Her memorial is celebrated annually on 8 February.
From the blog: http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2008/02/st-josephine-bakhita-virgin.html
view photo album one page at a time at http://www.janeellen.com/musings/bakhita-1.html
Lead Us to Christ Jesus
Based on the story and words of Mother Josephine Bakhita.Commissioned by the Canossian Daughters of Charity, F.d.C.C.on the occasion of the canonisation of Bakhita, 1 October 2000.© 2000 Jane Ellen (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
African Flower, gentle one,stolen away from fam'ly and home;sold into slav'ry and despair,given the name of Fortunate One.Seeing the sun, the moon and stars,seeking the Master of nature there.Yearning to know, to touch and see,wishing the Master's praises to sing.
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia!O Saint Bakhita, lead us to Christ Jesus!Alleluia, alleluia!
No longer slave of man but free,desiring to be a slave of Christ,loving with pure humility,making her life a sweet sacrifice.Forgiving all who caused her pain,knowing the myst'ry of the Lord's plan.Seeing that all things work for good,placing her faith in God's mighty Hand.
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia!O Saint Bakhita, lead us to Christ Jesus!Alleluia, alleluia!
Daughter of God and friend to all,longing to fly home to those in need,wanting to spread her Saviour's love,joy and compassion, and perfect peace.O Saint Bakhita, hear our prayer:teach us to spread our Lord's sacred Word,praying for those who know Him not,help us to "be good and love the Lord."
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia!O Saint Bakhita, lead us to Christ Jesus!Alleluia, alleluia!
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The Shrine of St. Bakhita in New York City and the address of the NATIONAL BLACKCATHOLIC APOSTOLATE FOR LIFE (witnessing the Gospel of Love and the Gospel of Life in our Community) is located at St. Clare Friary, 440 West 36th Street New York, N.Y. 10018-6326 Phone: 212.868.1847, Email: mailto:tnbcalife@aol.com
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Vision Video carries the docu-drama Two Suitcases which offers some interesting tidbits and glimpses into the places in Italy where St. Bakhita lived. It will play on EWTN on Feb. 1 and Feb. 5 in 2009. (dubbed English from Italian original)

Raising Joey and Cause of Our Joy bloggers meet

Blogger Mommy of Raising Joey finally got to meet Christina and I last Saturday night.

We have been emailing for over 2 years, and she has plans for me to get involved in the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress, where she is making major strides reaching out to physicians and Genetic Counselors to educate them about the truth of life with Down syndrome. I plan to help her in any way I can to reach out.

Sadly, one of the truths about Down syndrome is that little Joey, who was born on Christina's fourth birthday, had to undergo bowel surgery on Monday. He is recovering now, and could use your prayers.

I have a feeling that this team is going to change Connecticut for the better.

A Mother's hearfelt plea for President elect Obama

A true show of Christian charity from Elizabeth who writes at The Divine Gift of Motherhood.

I have been giving a great deal of thought to the issue of what to do as a Pro-Life advocate in a country which will now be led by a President and Congress that is largely pro-choice. President-Elect Barack Obama comes to this position with a great deal of emotional baggage. Perhaps he perceived himself as a burden on his mother and grandmother; else why would he see a child as "punishment" for a mother with an unintended pregnancy?
My thought is that it is possible to change his heart, if he hears enough personal stories to persuade him otherwise. If every mother wrote to him her own personal story of motherhood, and why she is against abortion, I do think it could have an effect upon him. I think people should start writing to him now, as he collects his thoughts on his first actions to take when he is sworn into office.
You can reach Senator Barack Obama at:
713 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
202-224-2854
obama.senate.gov/contact/
A hand-written, heartfelt letter is always the best, but any contact is better than none at all.

Tragic News from Our Lady of Guadalupe Friary

Thom and Marc Girard, leaders of the Knights of Lepanto died on June 30 in a tragic drowning accident. Marc saved his sister's life and was attempting to save his father Thom's life when he drowned in a lake.
Read the sad story here. We are asking for prayers and financial support for Thom's widow and her four surviving children.
HT Mary Victrix

Please pray for Bernadette Kelly and her family

Please pray for a homeschooling mother from NJ who is scheduled to deliver her daughter tomorrow by c-section. The baby, who has already been named Bernadette Kelly, is not expected to live long. She has anancephaly and the diagnosis has been known for some time. The mom's name is Barbara. Barbara has four other daughters. She is scheduled to have the c-section at 1pm.
Please pray for this family tomorrow and for the near future as they travel their own road to Calvary.
Thank you

Please join us in prayer for a miraculous cure for Katie

Katie is is bright, funny, loving… and in Schneider’s Children’s Hospital with a rare (and devastating) form of cancer called Burkitt’s. It started out as Lymphoma but has spread to her bone marrow and so is classified as Leukemia. She has gone through chemo-therapy, radiation, a bone marrow transplant and still the cancer keeps coming back.The doctors have nowhere else to go, nothing left to try.

But we do – We can ask God for a miracle. Her family asks that as many people as possible say a rosary for Katie (or even a prayer) this Sunday (February 24th) between 7 and 8 pm in the belief that so many voices raised in prayer at the same time for the same cause can bring about a miracle. . Her family is hoping that many will respond with a rosary or prayer for Katie, through the special intercession of the Infant of Prague.

A rosary prayed tomorrow night, Sun. (2/24), between the hours of 7 and 8 will be one prayed in unity and faith with many others requesting a miracle for Katie from Our Lady and dear Lord.
May God's Holy Will be done.

UPDATE:

We got a call from Jeannie McBride saying "Katie has gone to Jesus" on Saturday(March 1st). We know that Katie did a great job here on earth, and now she is at peace in heaven. Although her life was short-she did wonders by bringing so many of us to Church on that Sunday to pray together as a family.

My prayer is that our faith life has grown, and will grow stronger because of having Katie touch our lives.

Please continue to pray for the McBride family as they go through this difficult time.

Prayer to St. Peregrine

O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.
For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
Phil Gallagher(Mom's cousin with terminal cancer)
Katie McBride (10 year old with lyphoma)
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy.
Amen

The Vatican is seeking spiritual mothers for priests

Three people have sent me this link, so I think it's time to post on it! I have always prayed for priests, especially in Eucharistic Adoration. Our adoration group prays a special vocations prayer each week when we lift up the three seminarians from our parish. We consider them our special spiritual sons, as well as those priests in our parish. Our priests are under continual attack, and need our prayers, so this Advent, let's give Jesus a Christmas gift and pray for our priests.
Here is a booklet with some suggestions.
Sr. Briege McKenna along with Fr. Kevin Scallon have long had a ministry of intercession for priests.