Visit to Maria Stein

Sunday Morning, February 10th, Jessica left early to make a pilgrimage to Maria Stein and the Shrine of the Holy Relics (just under 2 hours away from our house), with Caroline's Godmother, Norah. In the late fall we asked our family friends (Norah and Pat) to be Caroline's Godparents. Being a great godmother, Norah had the idea for, and did all the planning, for what turned out to be quite the mother/daughter/godmother day trip.

The ladies started with a mass in a nearby church in Minster - St. Augustine, which was built over 150 years ago. During mass, Jessica had the feeling that God had been asking her to be there all along, although she had never been to the town of Minster.

After mass, Norah's cousin hosted lunch for the ladies in her home. While the original plan had been to continue on to the Shrine, some of Norah's plans came together at the last minute.  The ladies headed to Sacred Heart church for a private meeting with a Priest who has a special devotion to St. Philomena, a patron saint of infants and babies. Jessica learned some of St. Philomena's history, but they stayed with the priest for some very meaningful and holy time while the priest prayed with the ladies. He mentioned that she was a powerful saint, and suggested that Jessica continue to pray for her intercession.  (Prayer is below-please join us in this prayer to St  Philomena).

Throughout the trip, Jessica had an open heart to whatever the schedule (and the weather) provided, and although they sought to visit the Shrine of the Holy Relics, they did not arrive until almost 30 minutes after closing. Through some divine intervention, they not only achieved some after hours access, but some special prayers by a Sister of the Precious Blood. The Sisters oversee the Shrine, and while Jessica enjoying some peace with the relics, one of the Sisters came across Jessica. The staff member who provided Jessica and Norah access told the Sister, who was moved by Jessica's story. The Sister offered to pray with Jessica, and the ladies observed that the prayer was nearly the same words as used by the priest hours earlier. The Holy Spirit moves people in all locations, and makes its presence known in unique ways.

The ladies shared a slow and careful drive back through strong wintry-weather conditions, arriving quite late, but arriving safe nonetheless. All in all, it was a moving, grace-filled experience.

Tom's day started with Jessica's parents' help getting the kids to mass at our parish, St. Mike's. Deacon's homily focused on the call to discipleship, particularly in marriage. In another unique twist of fate, the priests celebrated Monday's Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes by offering healing prayers after mass, making special call for those who sought prayers for the healing of others.

By Monday evening, we were preparing ourselves for tomorrow's important appointments - the MRI and consult with the prenatal hospice team.