Crystal, MN
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The following report comes to us from team leader Sharon with our St. Raphael parish team in Crystal, MN:
We had plenty of visitors to our booth at Christkindlmarkt, and even St Nicholas paid Suzanne and I a visit.
Suzanne and I had our first visitor after the booth was barely set up. Suzanne asked “L” if she would like a free medal. L replied that she would not as she was upset at God for taking her brother. Her brother had been a priest in Michigan and much loved by his parish and community. L explained her brother converted in college, transferred to seminary, was ordained, and planned to retire in two years after his 50th anniversary of ordination. He was the only Catholic in the family. Suzanne stated she is also a convert and briefly explained why she converted. By the time their conversation ended, L’s heart seemed to have softened and Suzanne helped L to pick out a few medals.
I helped a woman choose medals to send a former exchange student from Ecuador. The country is experiencing turmoil and the woman thought a few medals would help. While not displayed, Sharon dug out the Spanish version of the Miraculous Medal card. After the woman expressed interest in learning how to pray the Rosary in Spanish, Sharon gave her a Spanish Rosary brochure from the selection of English and Spanish brochures that were set out.
Rick joined Suzanne and I and prayed over people after asking them for any prayer intentions they had. Later, Suzanne explained the mission of St Paul Street Evangelization to a visiting priest (not the pastor). Several people expressed gratitude for our mission.
After Phil relieved Suzanne and I, B came to the booth. B wanted prayers for his upcoming conversation with L. B has been speaking with L a few times, and he is wondering if God is preparing for L to come to know our Holy Mother in their next conversation. Several visitors chose medals to give as gifts along with the other purchases they made at Christkindlmarkt. We pray all who stopped at our booth have a blessed Christmas.
Praised be Jesus Christ!