PRAYERS

Daily Candlelight Procession in Lourdes, France, where the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Bernadette on 18 different occasions in 1858.

St. Theresa of Avila described prayer as “a loving conversation with the one who I know loves me.”

How grateful I am that so many of you, in your loving conversation with the one who calls you beloved, would lift up my name for healing.

It humbles me to think of how so many of you, in all parts of the world of various faith traditions and spiritualities, are praying for me and my family. By my count, people who practice Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism have remembered me when they prayed to their Source of love, healing, and peace. I am truly overwhelmed by this global network of prayer.

I also marvel at the holy places where you have lifted my name in prayer: (This is not an exhaustive list)

France

·      Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

·      Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Ireland

·      Shrine of Our Lady of Knock

Israel

·      Western Wall

Italy

·      Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs

·      Holy Doors (Jubilee Year)

·      Tomb of St. Francis (Assisi)

·      Trinita dei Monti (Church of Spanish Steps)

·      Tomb of St. Catherine of Sienna

United States

·      National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

·      National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

·      Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Vatican/Holy See

·      St. Peter’s Basilica

·      St. John Lateran and the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs)

Poland

·      Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa

·      Shrine of St. John Paul II

·      Shrine of Divine Mercy and tomb of St. Faustina

St. Theresa’s Guardian in Antigonish, Canada, cared for by the Sisters of St Martha of Antigonish.

In addition to these holy places, prayers have been said in these countries (again, not a complete list).

Australia

Austria

Cameroon

Canada

Columbia

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

India

Germany

Greece

Guatemala

South Korea

Spain

Turkey

United Kingdom

Final Thoughts

I struggle asking for prayers, knowing there are so many also in need of your care, prayers, and action. I ask that as you remember me, that you may also keep all those who suffer, in your prayers. I remind myself that there is plenty of room for prayers for all.

I do not look at this list of holy places and prayers said by holy people, and believe the quantity and diversity translates to the miraculous healing that I am seeking. Rather, it exemplifies the richness of the human experience, and our interconnectedness. It reminds me of the blessings of relationships in my life and the power of God for the miracles upon miracles that we all experience each day.

This is a song that has been guiding my prayer of late:

When Suzie and I were married, the Gospel was the Wedding at Cana, and I return here often in my prayer. As I reflect on this familiar story, I resonate with that helpless groom as he stood before his wife, Mary, Jesus, and all their guests as the wine ran out and the barrels went dry.

By Mary’s request and intercession (like your prayers said for me and so many others), Jesus chose to do His first miracle. It wasn’t the healing of the blind or raising of the dead, but He turned water into wine to begin to bring attention to who He was and is. May my life, and your life, do the same.