An Unintentional Pilgrim
Ana (not her real name) knocked loudly on the door before the Shrine officially opened. She knelt in front of the altar as soon as we let her in, and remained in prayer a long time. I happened to be going to get a cup of coffee around the time she got up to leave.
“May I leave an intention?” she asked timidly.
“Sure. For prayer, or for a Mass?” I asked. A tear slid down her cheek.
“Come,” I said gently, “I have tissues in my office. We can take care of it there.”
Ana hadn’t planned to come to the Shrine today. She did not even know it was a shrine. But as she was driving she felt compelled to come in to be near God. Here. She loves Jesus and prays often, but today the burdens she carries felt particularly heavy.
Ana’s biggest ache is that she is separated from her family. Her aged mother lives in another country, where she takes care of Ana’s brother, who has a serious mental illness.
Ana calls home daily to check in. Are they okay? Did her brother take his medication? Can they pay for the medicine? She sends money home to support the family. As a U.S. citizen she can visit them, but can only take vacation twice a year.
Recently, Ana applied for a visa to bring her brother to the U.S. so she can care for him. The lawyer says he’s not sure it will go through. Desperate to reunite the family she keeps praying, but today was feeling empty and distraught.
“Ah, God sent you to the right place,” I smiled, “This is the home of Mother Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants. She can help you.”
Oh, the look of wonder on Ana’s face! Of all the churches to walk into! She had no idea.
I told her a bit about Mother Cabrini and gave her a copy of “The Spiritual Wisdom of St. Frances Cabrini for Difficult Times.” She read a few of the questions in it, and her eyes lit up with hope and interest.
Ana returned to the chapel and sat in a pew to read through the booklet. Other pilgrims had come in and were praying near the altar. Mother Cabrini was going to have a busy day.
Download a copy of The Spiritual Wisdom of St. Frances Cabrini for Difficult Times
~ Julia Attaway
Executive Director
