Ambler, PA. Dcn. Mark and I set up a prayer station on the sidewalk in Ambler, PA this past weekend. His parish, St. Joseph, was about a 1/2 block away. It was the first time that he’d done “sidewalk prayer station” evangelization near his parish. Usually the evangelization effort here is on door-to-door parishioner visits, but with the nice weather, it seemed an opportune moment to get out on the sidewalk and bear public witness on the main town thoroughfare. While there were many people that weren’t receptive, there were some who certainly were. We met a young nursing student, Katherine, who gladly accepted a Crucifix with a Miraculous Medal and prayers for her success in school. Another young woman, Elizabeth, asked for prayers to conceive. The team chatted with her about how joyful this prayer answered would be and about how St. Elizabeth had difficulty conceiving, but God answered her prayer in a big way. God please hear and answer our prayers!
An older couple walking with a baby stroller went by and the husband seemed a bit irritated by our presence. After passing, the wife came back and the team offered a Crucifix and a Miraculous Medal. She asked for prayers for her daughter Melissa’s healing from syncope. She mentioned that the grandbaby was a true miracle because her daughter, who was away for a birthday weekend, was quite disabled from her illness. Her daughter’s name is Melissa, which was quite a blessed coincidence as I also have a daughter Melissa, whose birthday was this weekend! The mom left then came back a little later, asking for a blessed medal for her daughter also. She exclaimed that if she didn’t have one for Melissa, then her daughter would be so disappointed. Of course our little team was happy to oblige. It is such a privilege for Our Lord to allow us to serve others through prayer, faith sharing, compassion, and little blessed anchors (medals) in life! The team also prayed with Sonny who goes to Dcn. Mark’s parish and owns an Indian restaurant in town. A young woman named Kate prayed with the team for peace on earth, in nation, in community, in life, in family, all around. What a kind and needed prayer. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.