Seminarians, benefactors, florae for the Immaculate Conception, and the little one with leukemia

A “snowball tree” on Holy Souls Mountain. A “snowball” “picked” in honor of the Immaculate Conception.

• Meanwhile, thanks go to the seminarians of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, who have arranged for me to be included in special Masses for Healing in the grotto of the Immaculate Conception in Lourdes, France, not to mention also at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois. (OMIs are in both places). Many of the seminarians were also my students in class over in the Philosophy building or in the Theologate (not to mention the confessions, spiritual direction and formation advising). Now, there is a malady or two from which it would be ever so cool to be healed, but I wonder if they have a premonition about something. Yikes! Very thoughtful. Thanks, guys.

• Also! Thanks go to J.B.F. for his gift to the hermitage. Very kind!

Remember 19 June 2012 when I put up this update on N. – This is from his grandfather:

N. was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia circa June 1, 2012, and he was immediately admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. He has had a rough “go of it” since the beginning, and we are deeply appreciative of the prayers that have been offered so far. But, many more will be needed.

Update August 2012: He’s had a really tough time. He developed an infection in his medication port and it had to be removed. It cleared up and he had another installed. He developed a fungal infection in his lungs and while in surgery had an ‘episode’ and almost died. Luckily the anesthesiologist did something that saved his life. It was a very serious situation because the surgeon told his parents he thought they lost him.

He came home July 28 – Aug 2 (today) – the first uninterrupted week at home since June 1st when he was diagnosed. He was scheduled to return to Johns Hopkins for his chemo treatment today. The chemo causes muscle tone loss and pain. N. is crawling now instead of walking – but that’s improvement. For a while he was immobile. He is doing a lot better.

His parents have strong faith and they inspire everyone who comes in contact with them. I told them about your blog. They are so grateful and send their prayers back for you. Please continue to pray for N.