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February 9, 2024By Southern Nebraska Register
LINCOLN, Neb. (OSV News) -- Members of St. Michael Parish in Lincoln have created prayer cards encouraging all to ask the Lord for a miracle for a parish family expecting a baby.
Nick and Marie Hall of Lincoln are expecting their third child in April, and they have named him Luke. At their 20-week ultrasound in late 2023, their physician told them their pre-born son has major abdominal medical issues and is seriously ill.
The prognosis is very serious and most likely fatal. Doctors believe baby Luke will die shortly after birth.
After consulting with additional medical professionals, it has been determined that any medical treatments before or after birth will be ineffective. So Nick and Marie have decided against any medical treatment and have turned to their Catholic faith and God.
The Halls are members of St. Michael Parish, where Marie is the registrar of St. Michael School. Marie's brother is Father Liam O'Shea-Creal, assistant pastor of St. Michael Parish in Hastings.
After discussions with their families and St. Michael parishioners, the Halls have decided to petition the Lord for a miracle for Luke.
The Halls and Father Kenneth Borowiak, their pastor, talked about petitioning the Father, Son and Holy Spirit through the intercession of an individual up for canonization. They decided on Father Edward Flanagan, founder of Boys Town in Nebraska.
"Miracles happen regularly and are recorded in abundance in the Scriptures" Father Borowiak told the Southern Nebraska Register, Lincoln's diocesan news outlet. "Miracles have occurred throughout history and are well documented," he added. "One of the things Jesus frequently told his listeners was to ask him for any needs and desires."
"Miracles are not superstitious or the result of so many prayers recited, but rather God's will," Father Borowiak added. "Therefore, we must ask."
"It is so hard to put into words everything we are feeling right now," Marie Hall said. "My family has been overwhelmed with emotion at the support we have received from our parish family. We are praying for a miracle of healing for our son; we are also praying for peace and understanding as we continue this journey."
"Accepting God's plan for our son, as incomprehensible as it may be, is our duty as Catholic parents. God is good and he will see us through," she added.
St. Michael parishioners created prayer cards with a prayer to the Lord through the intercession of Father Flanagan. They are asking for help in getting the word out for a miracle through social media and any means possible.
Prayer for Baby Luke:
All Loving and Merciful God: Hear our prayers for Baby Luke. Heal him of his physical needs and comfort us all with Your presence. Help us to accept Your will in all circumstances. We offer this prayer to You, our protecting Father, Jesus Your Son who saved us on the Cross and the Holy Spirit who abides with us. Amen.
Father Flanagan, advocate of the young, pray for us.