Saint Anthony of Padua is often called the miracle worker, and I recently learned of a blessed event resulting from his marvelous intercession. I’ll get back to St. Anthony, but let me start at the beginning.
Several years ago I befriended two amiable Catholic students at The University of Texas at Austin. We attended Mass together and often prayed the Rosary after Daily Mass. We had wonderful conversations about their college lives and worries over exams, papers, reports, etc. Most importantly, we shared a common affection for and devotion to our Catholic faith.
After graduation, they returned to their home state and soon got married. After their marriage, the husband started a joyous holiday tradition of including a “family newsletter” with their Christmas cards. Receiving their card always brings merry delight to my heart because I know I will soon smile and chuckle as I read about the family’s adventures.
A few years after their marriage they had a beautiful daughter. Her birth, of course, enhanced the newsletters. Over the past several years, I would open their card with the anticipation of possibly learning that a new baby had arrived. But, each year it was just the three.
A couple of weeks ago (out of the blue) I received a card from them and much to my surprise it was an announcement of the birth of their new baby boy. A small folded note gently fell from the envelope. And, here is what they wrote:
We have a surprise to share. We were blessed with a miracle pregnancy! Through the intercession of St. Anthony we obtained this miracle. The story is amazing, but suffice it to say that we really believed we would not have another child. Dr. ___, my Catholic infertility doctor, told us two years ago that there was nothing else he could do for us. But Catherine (not real name) kept on praying. She faithfully prayed for a sibling each night for nearly 3 years. And God through St. Anthony answered her prayers!
The little-folded note contained so many lessons that I had to share with you. First and foremost, there is the power of prayer. Little Catherine prayed tirelessly and pleaded her case to a heavenly advocate, St. Anthony. Undoubtedly, this holy saint presented her prayers in God’s heavenly courts. And, I am certain that Little Catherine’s prayers reached God’s ear and touched His heart.
Does this remind you of another woman? I immediately thought of Christ’s parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). The widow represents us. There are times when we, like the poor widow, are burdened with cares, worries and fears. During these times, we may be tempted to say, “What’s the use?” Especially if we have prayed, prayed and prayed about some matter. What this poor widow (and little Catherine) teaches us is that persistence in prayer pays off. We may not get the answer we want immediately, but we must keep asking and believing. God will answer in His time.
