Dear Friends,
Sharing a parishioner’s story about the power of prayer and the hope such power proclaims.
Peace,
Fr. Damian
About 11 years ago, I was diagnosed with a cancerous growth in my lower abdomen. I ignored it for several years. Finally, my family had me visit with medical personnel. The growth was about four inches long and shaped like an old metal key. It was a mass that needed to be removed. I was scheduled to have an experimental treatment at the medical center.
At the same time, I was volunteering with Kairos prison ministry. On the final night of our retreat, it was mentioned that I had a serious cancer issue and that I would welcome their prayers. Twelve men (participants) out of a crowd of 50 or so came down on the floor and prayed very emotional prayers over me.
I was also a member of our first St. Frances Cabrini Alpha group. Again, attendees were invited to pray over me. Over 40 people, many individuals that I did not know, prayed over me. It was a very moving experience.
The following Monday I began cancer treatments. Three weeks later, after a scan and some tests, the growth was completely gone! To this day there is no trace that I ever had anything. My doctor credited the experimental treatment but could not explain why I have no sign of ever having had that growth. I countered his answers to my questions that prayers from 12 young, incarcerated men and 40 plus Alpha members were the reason! No explanation was ever written in my medical records. I am now seven years cancer free?
While I have been cancer free for seven years, I have undergone four other major surgeries. Even with these health challenges, I have continued my ministry of prayer with and for the residents of St. Joseph’s Villa. I pray with and for them regardless of what church they attended, denomination they profess, or even those who are essentially unchurched. God has blessed me, and I hope that my sharing of myself with them blesses them.
Bill Paar