‘During my father’s health journey, I had been dedicating my rosary prayer to his healing. On a recent trip to Rome, my intention turned to praying for the Pope’s recovery, asking for Mother Mary’s intercession,’ says Stephanie Pena.
This year it was very special to visit Rome, Pope Francis made it a jubilee year of Pilgrims of Hope. My family needed renewed hope as my father had recently undergone radiotherapy for prostate cancer and we were extremely thankful for all the support we had from the NHS and all the people praying for him.
My Catholic faith is always a rock to me but especially during this time of challenge. Going to daily mass, spending time with Jesus, alongside the prayers of friends and family is what got me through moments of losing hope as I witnessed my father’s suffering. Miraculously, before we flew to Rome, he got the good news that he was cured. Thankful to God and ready to go we boarded the plane to Rome to give praise for his healing in the holy city.
Arriving in the city was just what we needed to recharge spiritually and emotionally. Rome holds an ancient wonderment filled with life, history, art, good food, and the most beautiful churches. It was a blessing to start our pilgrimage by walking through the Holy Door at the Vatican, a symbol of internal renewal within a year of hope.
Upon learning that his Holiness Pope Francis was unwell we committed ourselves to joining the hope of the faithful praying for his recovery whilst in Rome.
Upon learning that his Holiness Pope Francis was unwell we committed ourselves to joining the hope of the faithful praying for his recovery whilst in Rome.
Saturday evening adoration in the Vatican was profound; the Vatican is open solely for prayer. The stillness and peace within the space is hard to describe as we witnessed the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. I felt myself praying ‘Jesus I trust in you. Take care of everything’. We were reminded that in the darkest storms of life our faith is strengthened as we surrender all to God. I was so thankful to be there worshiping with the whole family in good health, extending this gratitude and hope for good health to our church family.
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During my father’s health journey, I had been dedicating my rosary prayer to his healing. Now in Rome, my intention turned to praying for the Pope’s recovery, asking for Mother Mary’s intercession. The faithful have been praying the Rosary every evening outside the Vatican for the Pope. Praise God that Pope Francis is now out of hospital, an answer to prayer. A testimony that healing, in many forms, happens when the full body of Christ’s unifies in prayer. You do not have to be Catholic to pray the rosary, Hallow App is a wonderful resource that explains these prayerful meditations in detail.
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As Christians, we are called to pray for those that are sick.
As Christians, we are called to pray for those that are sick. It means a lot to me to pray for the Pope, mindful of the value of his holy presence in this world with him being the successor of the Apostle Peter. Jesus said to Peter’, ‘You are Peter which means Rock and upon this rock I will build my church’. His holiness has been a rock to many, especially during the pandemic when he prayed for the world to heal.
I am especially grateful to Pope Francis in his decision to raise Mary Magdalene’s memorial to a feast day, she is referred to as the Apostle to the Apostles, a powerful recognition of her presence in the life of Christ and his ministry. I recommend reading Saint Mary Magdalene Prophetess of Eucharistic Love by Fr Sean Davison as I learnt so much more about her.
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In Rome I visited a relic of her foot. To be in the presence of what was once part of her, was very moving. I felt a deeper connection to her and to God. It was wonderful to pray there in preparation to playing her this Good Friday in ‘The Passion of Jesus’ in Trafalgar Square’*. Mary Magdalene is a woman who witnessed both Jesus’ suffering and his living hope. Through her I am reminded that when we go through suffering, when we feel all is lost, we can be strengthened by the knowledge that we are never alone, Jesus is with us. Resurrection Sunday proves to us that hope and joy prevail; despite the suffering, we are always victorious in Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ - by his wounds we have been healed.
Now returned from Rome, we continue to hold onto this hope for the year ahead, because in the words of Pope Francis: ‘Hope never disappoints.’
*Stephanie Pena will be playing the part of Mary Magdalene in the Passion of Jesus in London Trafalgar Square on Good Friday, a production brought to London by Wintershall.
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