The following prayer request was sent to me today. I pass it on to you in charity and trust that you will storm heaven for this dear family.
“Then were little children presented to Him, that he should impose hands upon them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said to them:Suffer the little children to come and forbid them not to come to me; for the kingdom of heaven is for such.” Matt. 19:13-14.The Harder family has suffered a devastating loss in that two of John and Janice Harder’s six children died yesterday in a tragic boating accident in Montana. The boys, John Anthony and Joseph Thaddeus, aged 8 and 4 respectively, were their only boys and were unable to survive the frigid conditions of the water where they were capsized and remained for several hours. A third child, Cecilia Rose, was given CPR and a faint pulse was detected. She has been upgraded from intensive care and looks to be pulling through. Her patron, St. Rose of Lima, whose feast was yesterday, is most assuredly watching over her
…This tragedy has devastated the family and has left the boys’ parents disconsolate, even while they recover from their own injuries.
Our Faith tells us that these beautiful boys are in heaven as it was made “for such”. Of course, we should always pray for the repose of their souls, but given their young age and innocence, we can be assured of their salvation. However, those left behind are in great need of our prayers and support. Please pray for John and Janice and their four young girls who must face a home with an empty room and a lifetime of bittersweet memories. They cannot but be buoyed by your prayers and support.
An account is being opened in the family’s name to help defer the medical and funeral expenses. It is not clear whether the family had sufficient insurance to cover such a catastrophe which necessitated two or three life flights and hospital stays in two different hospitals in two different States. In addition, a young family does not expect funeral expenses and no contingency plans were made in that regard. Any amount you can afford will be most appreciated by the family.
If you are able please send what you can {email me at JOYfilledfamily*dot*com for the contact info to donate to the family}.
Thank you for your prayers and good wishes.
The icon shows the Blessed Virgin protecting Jesus with her arms around him. Her solemn face isn’t looking directly at him, but at us. The two archangels Michael and Gabriel carry instruments of Christ’s crucifixion, a lance and sponge, a 3-bar cross and nails. The letters beside each figure identify their names using the Greek alphabet. She has a star on her forehead, signifying her role as Star of the Sea. The Christ-child has been alarmed by a pre-sentiment of His passion, and has run to his mother for comfort. Jesus is portrayed clinging to His mother. Our Lady’s face is of unspeakable majesty and calm and yet her large eyes, partly closed, express ineffable sorrow and sympathy. Our Lady is not looking at Jesus, but rather to us, her adopted children, as if to express compassion for us in our fears and sorrows.
