The Life of Ven. Mary Lawrence Longo, Widow, Second Order (1463-1539) for the Franciscan Saint of the Day for Jan 1. Ven. Mary Lawrence Longo was a widow who, after being miraculously cured by Mary Health of the Sick after being poisoned, started a new branch of the Poor Clares where she took care of the poor.

Reflection is on Mary Health of the sick and how we should turn to her in times of illness since she has cured many people.

For more on Ven. Mary Lawrence Longo
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Lloren%C3%A7a_Llong
– https://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/venerable-mary-lawrence-longo.html

Also on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FgCR1Jzl-IE

Read by Fr. Ignatius Manfredonia, FI from Marion Habig’s ‘The Franciscan Book of Saints’ Revised Edition, Franciscan Herald Press, ISBN: 978-0819907516

Playlist of Franciscan Saints: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TxcAETrU_k&list=PLejh_e0-LN4wErRczZGry4TXytCZFiLCm

Ave Maria!

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The title of Mother of Mercy finds its traditional expression in the names Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfort of the Afflicted, Help of Christians. The order of the litany is beautiful! It shows how Mary has mercy on those who endure bodily suffering in order to cure their souls. She then comforts them in their sorrow and gives them the strength to bear and overcome all their difficulties.   (from Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange, The Mother of the Savior )

Mary is there for us as Health of the Sick and will gladly obtain for us the well-being of our bodies, especially when alleviation of our sickness is ordered to the good of our soul. At other times she grants something more important than bodily health: the grace to understand that suffering, including physical pain, is an instrument of God. Permitting it, He wants us to accept it with love and will transform it into a great good that purifies us and enables us to obtain countless benefits for the whole Church. 

By means of sickness borne patiently and with a supernatural outlook, we obtain a good part of the treasure that awaits us in heaven, to say nothing of abundant apostolic rewards: from such humble and courageous acceptance of God’s will come decisions to dedicate oneself to God and the salvation of many souls who without those graces might not find the path and the gateway to heaven. Our Lady… fortifies those who are wavering, raises the fallen, helps to dispel the mist of ignorance and the darkness of error… in her we find a safe harbor from the storm. 

From In Conversation with God

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