Share this story


 | By Father Charles Irvin

Joseph’s miracle at Lourdes

Joseph was a command sergeant major in the U.S. Army, one of the highest ranks that can be achieved by an enlisted man. During Operation Desert Storm (the First Gulf War), he served in a very responsible and important position on Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf’s staff. Joe is not what one would describe as naïve, nor is he prone to pietistic religiosity.

Joe came back from the First Gulf War to his home in Bakersfield, Calif. He was suffering from the consequences of serving in the Middle East. He had to use a cane when he walked because he had periods of tremors and unsteadiness.

In March 2002, Joe’s pastor, Msgr. Stephen Frost, organized a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. The pilgrims came, for the most part, from Christ the King Parish in Oildale, the northern section of the city of Bakersfield. Joe decided to go along on the pilgrimage but was not thinking that the waters of Lourdes were for him. It did not even occur to him that he might be cured.

On March 22, 2002, following a Mass concelebrated by Msgr. Frost and Bishop Zavala, Joe went to the baths area with other pilgrims. He decided to take one of the baths more because “it was the thing to do” than for any other reason. When in New York, you visit the Statue of Liberty, when in Lourdes you either drink the water or take one of the baths, or both. Joe did both. He found the water to be “cold and good to drink.” The water was “real cold” he says.

About a half-hour later, in a shop where he and Monsignor Frost were looking at some vestments, one of the ladies in their party asked Joe, “Where’s your cane?” Startled, he had to hunt for it, not remembering that he had hung his cane on his belt behind him. She then said, “Joe, you’ve been healed!”

It was then and there that Joe realized what had happened.

The events that followed, along with the entire story in Joe’s own words, can be found on www.FAITHmag.com.

I hope you’ll read Joe’s story of faith, trust, healing and hope. It’s not flashy – it’s not spectacular. It’s simply quiet and humble, much the same as the accounts of healing we read in the New Testament. Go and see!