by Sr. Mary Remias, P.V.M.I.
The drug addict, mother of two boys, had her life in ruins. Child Protective Services had taken them away to a foster home.
Resolved to amend her life, she promised God that she would do anything to get off drugs and get the boys back home.
She decided to visit a nearby Presbyterian church and pray with all her might for God’s help. On the way, she noticed a house on a corner with stained glass windows. Something or, rather, Someone had beckoned her to stop, and pray in the direction of the house.
Day after day, week after week, month after month, the woman would return to the corner, turn toward the stained glass windows and pray for God’s help with her addiction. With each visit, her resolve would gain strength until she and the authorities were convinced that she was drug free. And then, mother and sons were joyfully reunited.
The woman told me her story when I visited her home while doing parish visitation. After she mentioned the street names of the corner and the year, I was able to tell her why she prayed outside the house with stained glass windows.
“You were praying to Jesus, Who was in the chapel of our former convent on Madison Avenue,” I said. “We moved to another convent after your prayer vigil ended.”
My new friend was amazed by what I told her. I also said that since she has spent so much time outside, she should come in for a visit.
Without knowing it, she had poured out her sorrowful soul to Jesus Eucharistic; and He was preparing her and her family to enter the sacramental life of the Church. Jesus Himself had tended her soul, now it was the Parish Visitor’s privilege to help reap the harvest.
