Mission to Honduras

The missionaries have returned. I understand there were over 600 people who came to their clinics during the week they spent in Honduras with Padre Marcos. One of our newest members, Michaella, found a really neat pattern for a "mini" prayer square and, being the ninja crocheter that she is, we were able to send over 50 of these tiny prayer squares with the missionaries this year. When Michaella heard how many people came to the clinics, she started working on them in preparation for next year's trip!

Lori passed on a beautiful story about one of the patients who came to the clinic and the impact the mini prayer square had on her.

"I wanted to write to thank you and the other prayer shawl ministers for your support of the mission team and the prayer squares. If you'll permit me, I have a story to share.

On the second day of the clinic, the first patient I had was an elderly woman in a wheelchair. She had one leg amputated above the knee and was asking for help because she had almost no feeling in her other leg, due to diabetes. We had some medicine that would help a little, but frankly, there was not much to be offered. My "translator," Fr. Mike, offered her a prayer square, which brought a big smile to her face when she heard that ladies in the US were praying for her. I asked if she was Catholic and she said she was, so I asked her if she would like to receive the Sacrament of the Sick. When she said she would, Fr. Mike anointed her with oil, blessed her, and prayed over her. During the Our Father she wept, holding tight to her Carolina blue prayer square. When she turned her wheelchair to leave, she told us that she would pray for us, and waved goodbye with her prayer square.

Medicine is an intimate endeavor sometimes, but when faith and work blend so perfectly, I feel especially connected to God. Thank you all for sending us forth with your beautiful gifts. You each are a treasure to our Newman Community."

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

from the Prayer of St. Francis