Prayers for Amelia from All Over the World
It's Kind of A Funny Story
First Impression
Our hotel in Philadelphia was kitty corner from the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. One morning, we decided to make it our first stop on a walking tour of the city.
The cathedral was built 126 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act, so the main entrance was a huge flight of stairs we couldn’t possibly get Amelia’s wheelchair up. So, we circled the building until we saw a ramp that was added much (much) later, and went inside.
I’ll be honest, I was a little underwhelmed—
For a place that’s hosted two popes, I guess I was expecting something a little more impressive.
Kirrily went over to those doors you see on the right, to peek in and see what was inside. She waved me over.
“Why? Is there another, nicer church in there?” I said, sarcastically.
Turns out, yes, there was. I guess the first place was a chapel, despite being as big as a normal church.
While we were there, we encountered the first of several examples of the universal nature of the catholic church—
Universal Church - India
There was no mass or anything going on, but a few people were praying at the various altars and shrines.
A woman who was off to the side saw Amelia in her wheelchair. When came closer, she introduced herself. We learned she’s a diplomat from India on business in DC; she had taken some time off to tour up the cost.
In her home country, she told us, they bring sick children up to the altar and say a special prayer to Mary. She offered to do that Amelia, which was lovely.
Universal Church - Pakistan
Later in the trip, we visited the shrine of Saint Padre Pio. They hold mass in Latin once a week there, which is something I’ve always wanted to see. Unfortunately, Philadelphia traffic prevented us from getting there in time. Instead, we explored the museum to learn about Padre Pio’s life and miracles.
A little later, I saw people gather in the chapel, so we figured we’d just go to that mass while we were there, anyway. Just before mass started, someone came out and announced, “For anyone who’s not with the tour, please know this mass won’t be in English.”
I figured that would be fine, since we originally planned on going to the Latin one. Mass is mass in the Universal Church, after all, and you can usually follow along. Spanish, French, whatever, you can make out mostly what they’re saying.
Unless the priest is speaking in Urdu.
Yeah, the tour had come from Pakistan. That being said, I was surprised I could at least figure out when to say the Our Father and so on.
During the sign of peace (I’m reasonable sure), an old man sitting behind us touched my shoulder and said he would pray for Amelia.
Universal Church - South Korea
And finally, last week, we received this comment from Korea:
Hi. I randomly came across your novena on Reddit last week. I have been praying for you for 9 days, and offered the Communion for Amelia once. I live in Seoul, and somehow I thought that telling you where I live might brighten up your day. You have absolutely no idea how many people all around the world would be praying for you. Just look at me :) Anyways, I wish you all the best!
We’re grateful for all the people who know Amelia and want to help any way we can. We’re also thankful for all the people we don’t know. The generosity and kindness of people from all over the world touches our hearts.
Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
This novena prayer was recited every day by Padre Pio for all those who asked for prayers. The faithful are invited to recite it daily, so as to be spiritually united with the prayer of Padre Pio.
I. O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of curing Amelia of her metachromatic leukodystrophy.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
II. O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, if you ask any thing of the Father in my name, He will give it to you.” Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of returning Amelia to the fullness of health.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
III. O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of bringing other closer to you through the miraculous healing of Amelia.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender mother and ours.
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.