Stories of Healing

I am unsure how to write my short story as it spans 18 years. Nevertheless, I choose to accept the helpful advice of a current member of The Friends of St. Peregrine: “Just listen to your heart and the words will come.” (And did they ever!):

My cancer journey began in May 1995 at the age of 47. My yearly mammogram resulted with a diagnosis of breast cancer. My choice was never to question the stage of cancer because I wanted to treat and fight it as though it were early on. This way I felt I could give it all I had mentally, physically and spiritually. After all, I wanted to experience my grandchildren growing up as I grew old with the man of my dreams as well as many other milestones yet to be enjoyed. With the support of my YhusbandY, family/friends, medical team and my faith, I became a survivor determined on being pro-active in my healthcare by diligently following up with all screenings, appointments and whatever else came my way regarding my health. Very importantly, I experienced a newfound strength of my faith in God.

In August 1999, after a routine chest x-ray and additional screenings, a biopsy revealed lung cancer. I was terrified! This was a 2nd cancer diagnosis within five years! Was this “it” for me? If I recall correctly, it was during my recovery from this lung surgery that a healing mass was scheduled at Holy Trinity in Dunkirk. I remember thinking, what good timing for me! I attended this first healing mass along with my husband and two oldest grandchildren. I prayed for strength and guidance. It was a very emotional evening for me. I felt exhausted. Yet I left refreshed with peace of mind and acceptance of whatever God had in store for my future (“Thy will be done”.) The report from my surgeon was that all the cancer was removed and no further treatment was needed. I was elated and gratefully, went home to heal and move forward with my life.

October 2003, brought yet another cancer diagnosis on my right lung. At this point I am certain the healing mass I attended just before my surgery was a St. Peregrine Healing Mass at Holy Trinity Parish. Father David Bellittiere was our Pastor at the time. I recall again praying fervently for strength and guidance. I was dreadfully frightened of what may lie ahead. After this surgery, my surgeon told me he was confident that all the cancer was removed. Again I went home to heal and move on. Someone was surely hearing my prayers. My husband and I tried to attend St. Peregrine Healing Masses whenever they came to Dunkirk. I always left those masses with that exhausted yet refreshed feeling.

July 2007 was a year of adversity for me and my family. My borderline developmentally disabled son, who was 33, had a massive heart attack. A decision had to be made for surgery of which he had a 50/50 chance of survival. Our heads were spinning—our hearts were pounding! He has a wife, son and daughter. I also had a routine checkup scheduled with my Oncologist. I recall telling my husband that my test results have to be fine because “God only gives you as much as you can handle.” I couldn’t imagine us handling any more right now. The results were not fine. Another lung surgery was scheduled quickly. I was thoroughly bewildered! Something told me to call Father David as I was walking down a hospital hallway which I was not familiar with. Father answered. After telling him of my predicament he asked me to find a quiet place to pray with him. I looked to my right and lo & behold for reasons unknown, I was right in front of the Chapel door! My husband and I went inside, knelt down and prayed with Father. David on the speaker of my cell phone. Father David suggested I meet with him at Holy Trinity. We did so after gathering five of my six grandchildren. Father David and my family prayed with me. It was then that I recognized that through Father David and St. Peregrine, God had given me all I ever prayed for and needed to carry out these battles. My faith and strength was truly reinforced. I felt blessed with hope and prepared for what was to come. (I believe my miracle was set in motion at this point.)

I underwent the lung surgery while my son remained in the other hospital. My dear husband was doing a great job of being there for the both of us. Cancer does have its way of making us love deeper than we ever thought possible. This, in turn, again made us stronger than we ever thought possible. In hindsight, I realize that this is the strength I had been praying for all along! Yes indeed, Someone was listening. My son was released and visited me after surgery. I remember my surgeon waking me up with my biopsy results. He was mystified and a bit apologetic. The mass was benign! I was elated and never once regretted having had to go through that surgery. I believe everything happened just the way God intended. My miracle spanned many years. I was given guidance and strength which was reinforced every time I needed it. ïThis year I am 10 years cancer free!ð Miracles don’t always happen right then and there. It can take years and then we also need to be perceptive enough to recognize them.

Father David is such an immense part of my story. I am so grateful that he was sent to us as a Pastor. It was at the exact time I needed to have someone like him in my life. He is the guidance part of my miracle. He humbly told me he is “simply a vessel of St. Peregrine and God.” Maybe so, but I feel he is much more than that. There is just something about him that I admire and revere. I still try to attend St. Peregrine Healing Masses whenever they come along. I intend to continue thanking God, St. Peregrine and Father. David for ALL I’ve been blessed with. In sharing my blessing, I pray with two dear friends who are going through their own cancer journeys and also for my son who is doing well at this time.

Thank you Friends of St. Peregrine for bringing your healing masses to us! May God and St. Peregrine bless you with good health and everything necessary to continue on with this calling.

Mary Jane
July 2013