Suddenly Healed at a Nun’s Tomb

Short Summary: Maria Pellemans was miraculously restored to health from advanced tuberculosis after praying at the tomb of Thérèse of Lisieux, leading to a thorough investigation by the Church.

Details

Location: Lisieux, France

Year: 1923

Prayer: Jesus, Holiness of God, We need Your healing touch. There are parts of us which are not holy, which do not reflect the divine image in us; Areas of darkness which need light. Self-absorption, insensitivity to others, not seeing the poor and needy as our sisters and brothers. Parts of us are not at peace, are fractured from wholeness. Lack integrity of spirit. We are afraid to be still – and silent – and listen. Parts of us are struggling in hurts, anger, denial, shame, unworthiness, repression, and addictions. Parts of us are sinful and evil and are not of You. Reignite Your image in our hearts. Rekindle Your fire in our souls. Be our sanctity and help us embrace the truth that You dwell within and among us. Heal us of whatever prevents us from accepting Your saving and intimate presence – from believing in the incredible glory You have placed within us. Touch us, Jesus, and transfigure us so that we shine with God’s light. Like St. Thérèse, make us saints who are fully alive because You dwell within us. We ask You this, through the intercession of St. Thérèse, who teaches us confidence and trust in Your love. Amen.

Verse: So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. -2 Cor 4:16-18

Full Story

Maria Pellemans, a young Belgian girl from Belgium, was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which had reached a seemingly incurable stage after it spread to her intestines. Doctors had little hope for her recovery. Maria traveled to Lourdes to pray for a cure, but it led to no improvement. She then visited the tomb of Thérèse of Lisieux, a French nun who was gaining popularity in Europe as people began to read her incredible writings of faith. Thérèse, known as the “Little Flower”, had also suffered from tuberculosis that spread to her intestines. Kneeling before the nun’s resting place, Maria was suddenly restored to perfect health. The Church investigated Maria's case thoroughly, examining medical records and testimonies to ensure its authenticity. Her physician, Dr. Vandensteene, declared, “I found Miss Pellemans literally transformed. This young woman, previously out of breath from the least movement, now moves about without fatigue; she eats everything given to her, with a very good appetite. The abdomen presents no tender point, when formerly the least pressure produced severe pain. All symptoms of tubercular ulceration of the intestine have disappeared.”

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