Catholics
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Amazing we are starting our novena to st Jude on his feast day.
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Theresa/Sheila - that gave me chills!! I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit moves in this way.
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Wow I am just AMAZED this is so COOL, Theresa thanks for sharing this info.
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Michelle... I thought you did that on purpose.... Wow
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Yeah, me too. That's so amazing!!!
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Sisters, my DH would like me to post something from him about the miracle of healing. I was relating to him our prayers, novenas, BCMomof3 and the healing Mass, which I couldn't attend. He is a recipient of a miracle healing ....
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Catholic Ladies on BC.org...
Theresa shares with me some of the goings-on of your budding online sisterhood. What a wonderful, sharing community you have become! Breast cancer is a horror, to be sure. But God is showing again how He gives grace and blessing in each of your lives and in each of your stories, and even in the middle of pain and sadness. Grace flows from Him through the love you show for each other, and it keeps flowing out to those for whom you pray. You may not know immediately the effect of your prayer. But there are times you DO know immediately; when there is healing.
BCMom has sadly passed on. Sadness remains with her family and with you. For her, though, it is a perfect healing. But real physical healing takes place in this life when you pray. It does. I know, because it happened to me.
In the fall of 1965 I was a freshman at Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights, California. I was a halfback for Los Altos "C" football team (sort of the junior-junior varsity). It was just before halftime on a hot, smoggy day in September and my team had the ball. The quarterback handed me the ball to run up the middle, I made a few yards and was tackled. As I was on the ground there was this big noise and a yellow-white flash before my eyes. I was a little dizzy, got up, and saw a kid from the other team getting up and then - jelly-legged - falling back down. I guess he was the one who hit me on the ground, helmet to helmet. Anyway, I trotted back to the huddle for the next play...and that's the last thing I remember until after the game was over and I was standing with my team under the cool showers in the locker room, in full uniform. We did that to cool off on hot, smoggy days. I asked a friend which team had won the game (we did) and he looked at me like I was nuts.
That night at home I had the worst headache of my life. It also seemed like I couldn't see very well for a while. Then I got really nauseous. I must have gotten a bad concussion. And those symptoms became part of my life afterwards. I got migraine headaches regularly, and I'm talking about the scary ones. First I'd get the visual disturbances...a little yellow starburst in my vision usually on the right side. The starburst would fade and then came the partial blindness and numbness on the side of my body opposite from the where I'd see the starburst. My speech would become a little slurred from the numbness, but it was more of a case where I would know what I wanted to say but the words wouldn't come out. Then I'd get nauseous. And then came the pain....the writhing-around-and-I-just-want-to-die pain at a specific spot in my head on the same side as the starburst. After the pain subsided, all the other symptoms would completely disappear. And for a couple days I'd have tenderness in that spot in my brain where the pain was.
I'm boring you with all this detail just to assure you that I knew exactly what my injury and illness was. I walked around with it, and I lived with it through high school, college, work, vacation, anywhere and anytime, year after year. There were periods where I would go six months without a migraine, but that could be followed by times where I would have six headaches a month. There was no telling.
I joined the Catholic Church at an Easter Vigil Mass in 1983 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I wanted to know everything about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And in that time after becoming Christian, I learned all I could about the various kinds of prayer, about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, about theology and apologetics and liturgy. It was all good. I was trying to find out about...well, everything! In 1987, I heard about an event to be held in Butte, Montana. The event was an afternoon-long prayer session conducted by Father Ralph DiOrio who had a touring healing ministry at the time. My wife (at the time) was struggling with an addiction to cigarettes, and we had heard about Father Ralph's gift of healing prayer, so we went to the event to see if he could help her. After three hours of talks and prayer sessions, he ended the day with Mass, which was wonderful. He concluded by offering to bless people with holy oil if they liked. We all formed a big circle on the floor of the community center and he came around to each person. He blessed my wife with a silent prayer marking her throat with the sign of the cross, and stepped over to me and traced the cross on my forehead. Then, she and I went home.
I haven't had a migraine headache since that day. Now, some people could say I was already over with headaches and that going to the event was just a coincidence. Perhaps. But in the words of my beloved first Bishop Sylvester Treinen: "When I pray for something good and it happens, others will say it was pure coincidence. But I have found that ‘coincidences' happen much more often when I pray." Naturally, I don't think it was a coincidence that I was healed of my headaches. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the healer, as he is gazed upon by His adoring Father, and as their love is expressed as the Holy Spirit.
The power of prayer is real. God is living and active in us. So, ladies, please keep doing what you're doing. I'm so happy you are in Theresa's life now. Maybe it happened because of cancer, but I count it as pure gift.
Skip0 -
Wow Skip - that's a powerful story! Too many 'coincidences' have happened to me in life, that I gradually realized they weren't coincidences at all, but the unseen forces of the Holy Trinity at work every day (and Our Lady because sometimes I'm sure it's her or at least she interceded). Thanks so much for sharing that.
ps - you don't have an unattached twin brother do you??
:) One who likes crows? I'm just kidding :) God bless.0 -
No Theresa I didn't do that on purpose I put it off each day because I was so busy and had no idea it was even near (the feast) I am just amazed.
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Theresa,
Please tell Skip it's been such a pleasure to read his story, and his love for you is so obvious. You are blessed to share your Spirituality and Love together.
Janet, I know you and I are probably looking for a good man, and isn't it great to know that good relationships exist, and are worth waiting for? (PS, how about going to a Falconry show or lesson...if you could love a Falcon, I bet Crows are on the list somewhere..)Paula had mentioned praying to be reunited with her now husband, which is also a powerful prayer story.
Michelle,
Are you serious? Our timing is that good? Tis good ladies, Tis good
I will find the full prayer a few pages back.0 -
Skip--I don't think I'm speaking out of turn ,but come share with us when you think it will help. Theresa has taught us so much
Theresa thanks for your counsel on the sister of faust. It actually clarifies for me why I felt such a need to seek confession for only the two things I talked about. Greg was a very difficult patient. He often wouldn't do what he was supposed to. Thus at times I was angry with him, beyond frustration. It would not have changed his outcome. He actually lived 16 months from date of dx. How long he was at that level is unknown. Usual length of life after known Richters Transformation is 5-8 months, 12months average with a bone marrow transplant. So he may have been in that state for an unknown amount of time. So, I had him longer than would be expected, but he didn't make it easy.
But the only other thing that deeply bothered me was the feelings I harbored towards the sister of Faust. I saw her hurt so many good people over the years, it brought feelings in me that were so negative. I have disliked people, but never to the degree that I did her. You could watch her work on people. It seemed she would bring people to the dark side. The most vulnerable were the young new nurses. The older ones had her "number". By nature I felt a responsibility to the new young and new nurses that were older. Being a new nurse can be so scary without having a guide you can turn to for help. The sister of Fausts knowledge level was scary. Her actions were scary. She was one time observed running into her office when a code was called 2 rooms from the place she was standing. Shutting the door. Then after saying she hadn't heard the code, 1/2 dozen people saw her do this. No one reported her to upper managment. I didn't either once I heard the story. Even if I hadn't been a direct observer, I should have reported it. There would have been an investigation. What management would keep a director under those circumstances. That is just one incident, but in nursing it is a huge deal. But I diverge.
When I needed my heart and soul to be ready to receive communion at Greg's funeral. I knew I needed forgiveness for my thoughts re: her. So, again with your counsel I understand now why that became so necessary. It's not that I may have other things, but from deep within it came to the surface that I had to rid myself of those feelings. I still describe her as the sister of Faust because that is a beginning point that most people can understand. Thanks
Namaste on our journey this week with the ST JUDE novena L&H&P Sheila
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Did they talk about the Crow man from I think Penn. in the special? He's observed their behavior for more than 20 years. They were being affected by the West Nile Virus. His fear was that it might interfere to a serious point with the crows family structure? He was like the Jane Goodhall of crows
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Theresa,
Very interesting link to Catechism of Catholic Faith. I have only gotten through the first page, but it's really well written and not what I expected. (not that I expected it to be poorly written so that's not it
I do understand and see the potential for repentance and this is in God's domain only. But I will read, absorb and then we can discuss if you want. Thanks Paula, Sheila for your thoughts as well! It's not your everyday topic, and to be honest it;s a bit scary. So I guess if I totally didn't believe, I would have no fear at all.
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Sheila - I'm sitting here laughing out loud about crow man!! I guess I've just been punchy all day. They had a bunch of experts, but I don't think from Pennsylvania. I just like watching nature shows - doesn't much matter about what kind of animal, so I'm really not a crow groupie (laughing again). I like watching my birds at feeder, etc., but would never have enough courage to get close to one, much less pick up a bird.
One year birds made a nest in our Christmas wreath on the front door, so couldn't really take it down until the eggs hatched and little ones flew off. But we got so we couldn't use the front door at all - if we opened the door, one of the birds would get in the house and fly around and we all ran around like screaming idiots (me included). Scared the poor bird half to death.
Michelle - does it make any difference if you repeat the prayers throughout the day or traditionally should the six repetitions be done at the same time?
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Ladies
Just returned from church where I did my first day of "St. Jude", the church was quiet and It really helped transition my day.
Ladies I have something very special I would like to ask your prayers for, I can't post it here as I don't want to share except with you all it is very personal. 7 years ago I started work on a very personal project "a Foundation" I did a lot of fundraising and it was somewhat scattered and not formalized. I have always wanted to get back to it and after bc really struggled as I could not face any commitments for the future. Well at the beginning of this year I started back to work on it and it is now almost 100 percent formalized with a marketing company and an attorney filing the 501c etc. Anyway it is spiritual in Nature and it is about Mothers which I know you all will relate to so I would like to give you a peek at the brochure and the website (go's live next week) and get your real feedback. We have our first big event Dec 2nd in Scottsdale and we NEED PRAYERS.
If you would be willing to give feedback please pm me and I will send to your email and/or give you the website.
Thanks Michelle
Jacqueline looked at for me a couple of weeks ago and was great as she is works with Marketing and it was so helpful.
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Janet
You can do the prayers in any sequence through the day as long as it is six times. I said 5 in church and will say one before bed.
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Ladies
One more thing: When I was at church a few mins ago, I remembered that we have a shrine to the Miraculous Medal of Mary. This is another Novena to Mary and we can do in the future. Anyway at my church they do a mass for special intentions to this Novena every Tuesday night. I have participated before and they pray over your intentions. The cool thing is for a very small donation you an take a miraculous medal of mary and it is blessed and you can attach it to a necklace or bracelet whatever. Jacqueline told a story of this medal towards the beginning of this thread that was amazing. So..I am going to go to this mass on Tues evenings and have our intentions prayed for. I also picked up 10 medals today and will send them to you if you PM me and give me your address. There is no cost as I just made a very small donation, they are very inexpensive little pieces of tin but very specially blessed and it is just a little reminder to have around and helps keep us close to Mary.
The stories of the miraculous Medal of Mary are amazing. If I have time I will go back and try to copy and paste Jacquelines story here.
God Bless all of you
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Michelle I would suggest saving the stories for our next novena because our memories are short, or you could do it, now and do it then also. But since you've said it know, you've got us hooked so, do it now, and do it again in the next novena.
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Michelle,
That is so so sweet of you. How lucky we are to have you leading the way, and caring so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will PM you later, as well as take a look at your new project and web site. Lots of excitement!
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LOL, You guys just made my day!! I had to show Skip your responses and he was tickled too. Yes, he has a younger brother who is recently divorced and living in Washington State, not Washington DC.
Yes, we're soul mates, found each other online thru a Catholic site, and Sheila he frustrates the heck out of me, especially with health issues, so I feel your pain!!!! He's cancelled his physical twice (last month and this month) b/c he thinks he's too fat for my sister to see him (she works for our doctors)... I told him she doesn't do our vitals, another non-family members does. :-\Speaking of nesting birds... we have a front porch with big columns and the top of the columns have a ledge. When we moved back to VA, we discovered Mama Mourning Dove liked making her nest on one of those ledges. So we didn't want to disturb her and let her be. One evening we were watching TV in the living room and can see the front porch area where the Dove's home was located. Up the column was a snake climbing to where those baby doves were. Mama couldn't see him b/c of the lip of the ledge. My heart was racing!!! Skip isn't afraid of snakes (played with them as a boy), so he went out with a stick to knock him down then carry him off across the street. Me, I wanted him dead!! So he knocked him down, then couldn't find him in the dark! So I was on pins and needles all evening waiting for the snake to come back, but he never did. Skip thinks he scared him away. We live in a small town and this was the first time I've seen a snake this close in. OH!! I gives me the creeps!
Sheila and Traci: I'm glad I could help, with what little I know. I really like watching and reading Fr. Groeshel. He comes at faith as a psychologist and has many non-Catholic and non-Christian friends. He's not judgmental, as we shouldn't be too. But he calls an ace and ace and a spade a spade. Knows his stuff.
Michelle: I'd like to keep my sister in our prayers. She had a suspicious mammogram and will be going for her MRI on Monday. Please no more cancer in our family!
I see my Rad Onc in Philly tomorrow for a regular follow up. She's the best! DD and I are going and will shop the Reading Terminal Market after the appointment. Can't wait!
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OK I know I am enthusiastic....LOL, if you want just go back to first 10 pages of thread and look for YATCOMW (Jacqueline) she describes how she received a Miraculous Medal.
You can also google it and see but we will save it for next time just another wonderful Novena for the future.
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The crow man observed that usually two sets of hatchlings stay around to help raise the next set. ANd that they are very family oriented. His concern with west nile was that it may disrupt this family teaching and etc(SPLAT). that it could cause a collapse of their family structure. Because if too many were killed by west nile, there may not be enough to teach the young ones in the way of the crow rearing of young ones.
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THeresa
I loved Skips' post and he must have had the true faith and I BELIEVE he was healed. TELL HIM THANKS AND you are blessed to have such a spiritual man!
I will add your sister right away!
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The Intentions are below and we can add to them today if I have forgotten any or you just have new to add:The Ladies of this Catholic Thread and their specific intentionsPat, her Grandson's well being and CouragePrayersareanswered, success of surgery, health upon surgery, and positive prognosis of PathologyTheresa, Peace of mind and Health, for her 4 children to return to the Faith,Complete Health for sister going through suspicious testLMFSM, Health and Safety of her family Financial supportPaula, Return to health, relief from fatigue. For her Mother Terry's return to health, and for her Husband and children as wellMichelle, return to health, intentions for Husband Rick, and family. Support for personal spiritual project. AMG!Laura, for her son Taylor and her friend on BCO here that needs support, and relief and healing of her LE Kindone (Betty) for her Husband's return to health, successful outcome of her upcoming surgery,speedy recovery, and friend Debbie that is dealing with brain cancer. Patty and Steven, healing from Cancer For Sheila support to quit smokingTraci, a complete return to health and her pain addressed, complete resolve of Symptoms and Issues from bc treatment (LE, Thyroid nodules)for her disabled Father, and for her Sister to find the true spirit. Torigirl, for complete response to surgery and therapy and complete eradication of bc.,for her brothers and sisters and all here on bc.org needing healing and support, end of bc for good. PatMom, for her brother's eternal peace and the healing of her family Emilie and EBANN ..Miracles BCMOMOF3, for her family in their time of loss.For all of the ladies here: Laura, Jeannine, Apple, Carol, Barb, Judy, Sheila, Jan, Janet, Traci, Nita, Betty, Nancy, Pat, PatMom,Camul,NoniJones, YATCOMW,Pure.Paula..........and prayers for an end to breast cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Michelle: I've had a devotion to Mary of the Miraculous Medal for many years... I have a gold one and a silver one. :-) That will be a great future novena!
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REMEMBRANCE OF YOUR BELOVED DECEASED DURING NOVEMBER AT CARMEL
I'm going to send our intentions to the good sisters tomorrow. Let me know if you want me to add your beloved deceased.
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ladies, When I went to church today and the priest said it was the feast of ST Simon and ST Jude I thought it was a good sign. To be honest I don't know if I can do the novena six times a day. Its just hard getting them all in. I will pray it everyday for nine days and I will leave copies when I can. I hope this is ok. I have said this novena before and never heard about saying it six times a day.
So many posts and such good news coming from all of you. Skip, I love your story.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Betty
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Betty
"do your best and forget the rest" literally it is not about putting pressure on yourself then we will be missing the point.
We just appreciate you willingness to pray with us. Thanks so much!
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dear all
thank GOD and thank you to all of you for your prayers. I am back home from surgery. It went well and they even wanted to discharge me this morning. I have not used the pain medication once. I was blessed with an excellent hospital team all along; I really want to thank you all. The thought of having you pray for me really gave me strength. God is great.
I was intially diagnosed with DCIS. After surgery, the surgeon said that they fond one suspicious spot in one lymph node. If it comes back positive, I may need to have axillary dissection and then radiation and/or chemo. I believe in miracles and I keep praying that I get a good pathology report. Please keep me in your prayers.
I would like to share this prayer after surgery:
Blessed Savior, I thank you that this operation is safely past, and now I rest in your abiding presence, relaxing every tension, releasing every care and anxiety, receiving more and more of your healing life into every part of my being. In moments of pain, I turn to you for strength, in times of loneliness, I feel your loving nearness. Grant that your life and love and joy may flow through me for the healing of others in your name, Amen.
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Here it is......I pray to St. Jude and St. Theresa (of lost hope).....but the prayer that gets me everytime is the prayer I have to Mary....
A friend of my sister's gave me a medal to wear when I was diagnosed.....he was on a plane on the way to visiting his ill sister and was talking to the stewardess. She heard where he was going and went to her purse and gave him this medal....she had been on a flight with both the pope and Mother Theresa many years ago and was given several medals blessed by both of them. He was told to let the ill person wear it. He brought it to his sister and she got better...he gave it to someone else and they got better.....he isn't a very religious person but really believes this medal helps so when he heard about me from my sister he gave the medal to me. It was the Miraculous Medal of Mary. I put it on and never took it off.....I then went to church and found a little booklet with the story behind the medal and some prayers....how odd I just happened to come across it...right?The prayer in the booklet that I keep with me is this one.... I read it before every scan, tumor marker test, etc. I am told you have to pray in a way that comes very, very deep inside. You can't just read it....you have to find this place within you....deep....and say it in such a way that she hears you.....Remember, O most compassionate Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone that fled to your protection, implored your assistance, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidene, we fly unto you. O Virgin of Virgins, our Mother: to you we come; before you we kneel sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your clemency hear and answer them. Amen.I believe she hears me when I pray it.....I believe she understands how much I want to raise my kids.....I believe she wants us to have a cure.....My sister's friend finally asked for his medal back after 18 months.....killed me to give it up!!! It has served me well so far....Jacqueline0
