Our Lady of Prompt Succor and Jesse

After the last few days of illness, I have talked about the desire to rid our home of these demons in a some what jovial manner.  However,  I have to admit that it seems there is a force working against us.  Brendan continues to have a rash from the medicine reaction however he seems to be feeling better....the doctor called late in the evening to tell us that his white blood cell count is severely elevated and we were told to return to the doctor's office for further testing this morning if he was not well.  We are hoping that we are past the worst of it.  We have all become quite weary from the experience and will be glad for the day when Brendan is completely well again.

The thought that this illness somehow relates to the feast of the day and the making of the memorial quilts might seem like a stretch; however, I cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude for the grace God gives to us through intercessory prayer (a prayer or petition to God in behalf of another).  We have been thankful for all the prayers from family and friends.  There are many times throughout history when faced with the impossible, the prayers of the faithful brought about miracles.  And there is no better person on earth or in heaven to ask for assistance in prayer than Mary, Mother of God.  

The continuous action of Jesus' mother through her intercession to her Son, as seen in the events leading up to the presentation of Mary as Our Lady of Prompt Succor.  Maybe you have heard of some of these historical events but not the 'rest of the story,' so here is a quick account.

It all started with a group of French nuns (Ursuline nuns to be exact) in 1802.  The nuns were trying to find a way to continue their order in New Orleans with the plea for more nuns from France.  Their request was granted and they placed a statue of Mary in their little chapel with the name of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in honor of their prayers being answered (succor means "to give aid or assistance during difficult times").  In 1812, a fire was taking over the city of New Orleans and on quickly on the path to destroy the Ursuline convent.  The nuns once again prayed to Our Lady asking for her intercession, and the winds began to blow from the opposite direction sending the flames away from the buildings!  And, in 1815...during the Battle of New Orleans...the British were sure to have a victory over the dwindling American Army led by Andrew Jackson.  The Ursuline nuns again began their fervent prayers asking for peace.  As Mass began the battle raged around the city but before the Mass was ended the news came that Jackson had defeated the British in an amazing and surprising victory!  So awesome!!!!

So today we are asking Our Lady of Prompt Succor to ask God's continuing graces to come to the families of Newtown.  

Today we remember Jesse...known as 'the little soldier' and 'the cowboy,' he had been hidden away in a closet but chose to leave in order to try to save his teacher and fellow classmates.  Can you believe the bravery of this sweet six-year-old?  A little boy who loved horses and being on the farm as well as learning about numbers...he was brave and courageous to the end.  We decided to create a barn from all of his interests, including a panel with super heroes to show that we know he was a hero also.  May his soul rest in peace!