How I Became Joyful Again

The following letter was sent by Mary Walsh, a member of the Marians' 13th of the Month Club, a group of special friends who help support the work of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. On the 13th of each month, members pray the Rosary for the intentions of the club. The Marians residing in Fatima, Portugal offer a special Mass on the 13th of the month for members' intentions. All members pledge a monthly gift and receive the club's monthly newsletter published by the Association of Marian Helpers. To become a member of the 13th of the Month Club call us at 1-800-671-2020.


Dear Fellow Thirteenth of the Month Club Members,

I wanted to share this story with you. I hope it inspires many people.

I requested prayer this week for my debilitating arthritis that has kept me in severe pain for three weeks. In that time, I haven't had a good night's sleep, no more than three hours a night, and my pain medications did not work. Even my pain patch, which has a high dosage of delivery, wasn't much help. I became depressed and angry.

To my husband of 53 years, I turned cranky and put him through a lot. I had trouble moving around, and my meals had to be sent up to me in my room, where I live in a retirement home.

This morning, I awoke as usual at 2 a.m. I got up, prayed, and used holy water from Lourdes as a sacramental in an attempt to ease my pain. I'm sorry to say my prayer was half-hearted. I felt tired and distracted. By 10 a.m., I was exhausted and went back to bed. I was too tired to say the Rosary, so I just held it in my hand. I drifted off into a semi-sleep. When I woke up, I prayed the Rosary.

I prayed each decade for different women I know who are ill and need help. I also prayed for those who need to find faith or who have faith but need it strengthened.

For various reasons, as I said each decade, I had a peaceful sensation unlike any I've ever experienced. I felt as if I were floating in a breeze. I woke up joyful and felt renewed. When I got up, I noticed a card that had been slipped under my apartment door. It was a "get well" card. The greeting said, "I hope these gentle thoughts and prayers come to you like the breeze through an open window, lifting your spirits and easing your mind." The card's message also spoke about bringing the promise of better days to come and the hope that I would be feeling better soon.

This greatly surprised me, and it prompted me to write this letter for my fellow club members while it was fresh in my mind.

I thank the Blessed Virgin Mary for lifting me up and bringing my joy back for the first time in three weeks. Praise Jesus and thanks be to God, my Father. I remain humbly grateful for this real happening that gave me joy again.

Sincerely,

Mary Walsh
Woburn, Mass.
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