Miracles of hope, family, and healing
As a Sister of Providence, Sister Jan Craven devotes a great deal of her time to her ministry. Not only does she spend time in prayer, but she also assists with tours, serves as a hostess to visiting groups, steps in as a docent, and volunteers for many other things as well. On top of all this, her main priority is to serve as the director of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Here, she has taken to the “business side” of being a Sister of Providence. As a very busy sister, she rejoices in a visit from her family, who lives more than 4 hours away. She recalls recent experiences here:
Candles in the shrine burn for visitors who are in need of prayer.
Due to distance and busy schedules, it is rare that my family comes here to visit. However, last October my Sister Carol and her husband Ray attended the Grand Opening of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. The day started very early, and before the bulk of our visitors began to arrive, a press conference was held, where I spoke to various news reporters about the grand opening. Despite the early hour and the cluster of the news reporters, my family hung back patiently and proudly listened to me speak. What a moment that was for me!
Just two days ago, my younger brother Rick and his wife (also named Carol) were able to come to the Donor Dinner. Who did they bring with them? My sister Carol and Ray. So once again, I proudly showed the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore to my family members.
These moments took me back to this time a few years ago when all the Sisters of Providence were praying their hearts out for the healing of my brother Rick’s cancer. He had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and it was at a very high risk stage. It was a very emotional and difficult time for the family as he fought through his treatment. Now, Rick is a testament of those dedicated women’s prayer life. He is healthy and, in my estimation, a walking miracle. He beamed as he walked through the shrine this weekend, stopping at the prayer book of intentions where I told him that his name was written. He began to tear up as I told him so.
These small moments are some of those every day miracles that I am thankful for. There is no greater miracle than all three of these realities: the power of prayer, the power of love,and the power of family.
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Thank you, Jan, for sharing your family stories and encouraging each reader to celebrate the miracles that our Provident God provides for us each day: the power of prayer, the power of love and the power of family.