Healing Pilgrimage for Amanda
Donation protected
The Miracle
In 1858, Mary the Mother of Jesus appeared to Bernadette, an ordinary girl, and told her the grotto where they stood would be a place of miraculous healing. Waters then flowed, and ever since, thousands upon thousands of miraculous healings have been attributed to this holy site.
The Order
As a place of miraculous healing, Lourdes has become the destination of pilgrimage for the world's sick and desperate, the last source of hope when science and medicine fail. The Order of Malta, a lay Catholic organization, has a history of caring for the sick and needy for over 1000 years (see Here for more information). Recently, they began sponsoring "Malades" for pilgrimages to Lourdes for spiritual and physical healing. Amanda was generously chosen by the Order of Malta to participate in their 61st annual pilgrimage.
The Struggle
This is an amazing opportunity for Amanda, since she has struggled with extreme medical issues for most of her life, most notably a liver transplant at 18, and as of late, several medical conditions including Crohn's Disease. She is forced to weaken her entire immune system just so that her body will not reject the new liver. Further her Crohn's makes it difficult for her to absorb nutrients to nourish her already weakened body.
As her husband, I've watched her courageously battle these conditions so she could be more present for our children and me. There have been many times where I know she wanted to give up, to not fight for her own life anymore. But even though it is unimaginably difficult for her, she always decides to fight on, even though her body may not be willing. It is a huge sacrifice to be a wife and mother already, but the additional discomfort and pain she endures every single day on top of all that is something that I wish and pray she didn't have to endure.
The Petition
Every year, we spend thousands of dollars and hours for doctors visits, medications, and hospitalizations. None of these are a sustainable, permanent answer to her illnesses. This opportunity to visit Lourdes is an answer to our prayers unlike any other. We are so incredibly grateful for her to be able to be bathed in the waters of Lourdes where we have faith that God's mercy is especially present.
Unfortunately, as I am not a "Malade," I am not sponsored for this pilgrimage by the Order, and we do not have the money to pay for my trip additionally. Many of you have walked with us during times of deep trial, and for that, we thank you. Now, we must humbly ask for you for a donation as well, so that I can accompany my wife on this potentially life changing and life altering trip. It would mean the world to her if I, who promised to be there for her in sickness and in health, would be able to accompany her through this profound journey as well.
The Promise
This is not a vacation. This pilgrimage will be a time of intense prayer, worship, and communion with God. With your support and sponsorship, I will accompany my wife and many other "Malades," along with your prayer intentions to a most holy site. There, we will pray daily with priests for physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional healing, and if you choose, I will have small personal items blessed and brought back to you. If you or someone close to you is suffering or ill, I will do everything in my power to bring Lourdes back to YOU.
May God bless you!
In 1858, Mary the Mother of Jesus appeared to Bernadette, an ordinary girl, and told her the grotto where they stood would be a place of miraculous healing. Waters then flowed, and ever since, thousands upon thousands of miraculous healings have been attributed to this holy site.
The Order
As a place of miraculous healing, Lourdes has become the destination of pilgrimage for the world's sick and desperate, the last source of hope when science and medicine fail. The Order of Malta, a lay Catholic organization, has a history of caring for the sick and needy for over 1000 years (see Here for more information). Recently, they began sponsoring "Malades" for pilgrimages to Lourdes for spiritual and physical healing. Amanda was generously chosen by the Order of Malta to participate in their 61st annual pilgrimage.
The Struggle
This is an amazing opportunity for Amanda, since she has struggled with extreme medical issues for most of her life, most notably a liver transplant at 18, and as of late, several medical conditions including Crohn's Disease. She is forced to weaken her entire immune system just so that her body will not reject the new liver. Further her Crohn's makes it difficult for her to absorb nutrients to nourish her already weakened body.
As her husband, I've watched her courageously battle these conditions so she could be more present for our children and me. There have been many times where I know she wanted to give up, to not fight for her own life anymore. But even though it is unimaginably difficult for her, she always decides to fight on, even though her body may not be willing. It is a huge sacrifice to be a wife and mother already, but the additional discomfort and pain she endures every single day on top of all that is something that I wish and pray she didn't have to endure.
The Petition
Every year, we spend thousands of dollars and hours for doctors visits, medications, and hospitalizations. None of these are a sustainable, permanent answer to her illnesses. This opportunity to visit Lourdes is an answer to our prayers unlike any other. We are so incredibly grateful for her to be able to be bathed in the waters of Lourdes where we have faith that God's mercy is especially present.
Unfortunately, as I am not a "Malade," I am not sponsored for this pilgrimage by the Order, and we do not have the money to pay for my trip additionally. Many of you have walked with us during times of deep trial, and for that, we thank you. Now, we must humbly ask for you for a donation as well, so that I can accompany my wife on this potentially life changing and life altering trip. It would mean the world to her if I, who promised to be there for her in sickness and in health, would be able to accompany her through this profound journey as well.
The Promise
This is not a vacation. This pilgrimage will be a time of intense prayer, worship, and communion with God. With your support and sponsorship, I will accompany my wife and many other "Malades," along with your prayer intentions to a most holy site. There, we will pray daily with priests for physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional healing, and if you choose, I will have small personal items blessed and brought back to you. If you or someone close to you is suffering or ill, I will do everything in my power to bring Lourdes back to YOU.
May God bless you!
Organizer
Marc Missildine
Organizer
Gilbert, AZ
