http://en.gloria.tv/?media=34637 Psalm 31:11 Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, Especially to my neighbors, And an object of dread to my acquaintances; Those who see me in the street flee from me
This wonderful story of Saint Damien's intercession was on the Totus Tuus Fb page today: "In 1997, Audrey Toguchi, a retired teacher from Honolulu, was diagnosed with aggressive pleomorphic liposarcoma — cancer in her thigh that spread to her lungs. By 1998, scans showed multiple lung metastases. Her doctor said six months at most. But Audrey had deep faith. She made a pilgrimage to Kalaupapa on Molokai, knelt at the grave of Blessed Damien de Veuster (the 'Apostle of the Lepers' who gave his life serving those with Hansen's disease), and prayed: 'Father Damien, put in a good word for me with God.' She refused treatment beyond prayer. Then, miracle: follow-up scans showed the lung masses shrinking... then disappearing entirely by 1999. Her oncologist documented it as a 'spontaneous complete remission' — unexplained and durable. The Vatican investigated rigorously: medical experts, tribunals in Honolulu, and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints ruled it a true miracle through Damien's intercession. This healing cleared the way for Pope Benedict XVI to canonize him as St. Damien of Molokai in 2009. Audrey even presented the relic at the ceremony! What a powerful reminder: God's mercy works through the saints we turn to in desperation. In our own trials — cancer, illness, any suffering — never stop praying. St. Damien, pray for us, especially those battling cancer today. 'Lord, through the intercession of St. Damien, grant healing, hope, and strength to all who suffer.' "
A great saint, indeed, laying down his life for the lepers! St. Damien, pray for my pregnant daughters!
One of the things about Apostolic Saints like Damien is how ambitious they were. He set his sights so high and got there. He seemed to plan for the impossible but nevertheless he got there. The only way he could have done so was with great trust and Faith in God. Another thing that springs out is how he was betrayed and stabbed in the back by his fellow clerics who stole the donations sent for Damien and spent it themselves. This is so common with the saints that their fellow clergy become their worst enemies.
