This after Holy Mass, I took a little extra time to give thanks. I was also praying for a very specific intention.
My sciatica has been acting up. Hardly got any sleep last night. I was hoping for relief and/or the grace to offer my pain.
Recently I had given a relic to a friend who was having surgery to remove a tumor. He lives across the country. The relic in question is a piece of cotton that had been touched to the stair of Our Lady of Good Success in Ecuador. In fact, the relic was given to me by none other than Dr. Marian Horvat. Thanks to her dedicated work over the years I have come to know the story of Good Success and Mother Mariana. I am very much a devotee. I had hoped that this little relic would bring consolation and healing to my friend.
And then, that friend received very good news.
And then another friend who lives nearby the first, was diagnosed with some very bad news.
First friend transferred the relic to second friend.
All of this was fine and actually beautiful to me.
After leaving Mass this morning, yet another dear friend stopped me and asked if I had given that relic away. She had heard the story from my wife. I explained that it was now with someone else to whom we all have been praying.
Then she reached into her bag and pulled out a little canvas bag just large enough to hold a piece of cotton. “Marian heard. She doesn’t want you to be without one.”
I was speechless. The Blessed Mother, through these dear women, clearly wants me to have this relic with me.
I am always amazed – though I shouldn’t be – at the great love of God and of His Holy Mother for sinful man.
So today I give thanks for the apparitions at Quito and the messages thereof and for Dr. Horvat and others who have spread this devotion.
Our Lady of Good Success, pray for us!
Harvey Millican's Blog: Musings of a Trad Dad 