Mary Speaks to Karim and A Visit to the Plastic Surgeon

Spiritual Friendship ^ | July 30, 2007 | Liz

[NYer]

I took this picture of Karim standing up by himself to wash his hands at the sink. He has done this a few times now. We are so proud of him.

I wasn't going to write about this yet, but Father Antonio asked me to do so. When we arrived home from the out-of-state wedding last night, Ebtisam and I were trying to catch up on what had happened while I was gone. I had called them a couple of times to check on them, but I wanted to hear about her days without us. I was surprised and shocked when she communicated to me that Mary had spoken to Karim. Without the translator here (she was out of town) I could not fully understand what happened. So I spoke to Ellen on the phone, and then again to Father Antonio today, who translated to me what Ebtisam had said. She said that on Saturday, Ellen took them to a beautiful retreat house, St. Lazare's, near Ellen's house. There Ellen went to look for the priest so he could bless Karim. While she was gone, Karim and his mother prayed in front of a large statue of Mary holding the child Jesus on her lap. Karim all of a sudden said to his mother, "Did you see her move? Did you hear what she said?" Ebtisam had not heard or seen anything. He continued, "Mary turned her head and looked at me. She spoke to me in a lovely voice that I cannot explain how beautiful it was. She said, 'Do not be afraid. You will get better. You will be healed.'" Ebtisam went to get Ellen and was so excited she could hardly speak. The two of them cried. I also cried when I heard this. Mary comes to the littlest and the least among us - a poor, handicapped child. Now I know that God has been hearing the prayers that many have been saying for months. Some have prayed novenas; others have just prayed periodically for Karim's healing. I have prayed fourteen novenas and continue to pray for the intercession of Pope John Paul II through Mary, to whom he had a great devotion. Father Antonio said this week in Lebanon they celebrate the feast of Saydet Talle, or Our Lady of the Mountains. There will be great celebration all week long, a novena, which has already begun, a procession through the streets and many Masses on Sunday. This is the image of Mary that Karim and Ebtisam are most familiar with. Tomorrow my friend, Don, and I are taking Karim and Ebtisam to the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio. Here many miracles have taken place through Mary's intercession. We will spend the night there since it is a long drive. A friend of mine, Father John Raphael Hadnagy, will lay his hands on Karim and pray. He is the rector of the shrine. He has the gift of healing, which he received many years ago in Medjugorje. Please pray extra prayers this week as they celebrate in Lebanon, and as we travel to Ohio.

If some of you are reluctant to believe Mary could appear to Karim, keep in mind that his family is Alowite, a Muslim sect, yet they have a strong devotion to Mary, as the mother of Jesus, a great prophet. They know nothing about Marian apparitions. They have never been taught this. I just know in my heart that God WILL work a miracle. I must remain steadfast in my faith in this great future occurrence. I have already had to remain firm in this belief for many months when others have been trying to dissuade me that this would ever be possible. All we need is faith the size of a mustard seed and we can move mountains. I believe the faith of Ebtisam and Karim is great! Why wouldn't Mary listen and answer the pleading of one mother for her suffering child, when she knows deeply what this mother has undergone in watching her son tortured by this horrible disease. Saydet Talle, pray for Karim! Our Lady of Consolation, pray for Karim.

---

Today I took Karim to see Dr. Fisher, a plastic surgeon. He had never treated anyone with this disease before. Dr. Van Ittersum had referred us to him, and had consulted him. He explained that this hand/foot surgery is too complicated for him to tackle. He wasn't sure how long it would last, either, with Karim's skin condition. He recommended I get in touch with Shriners Hospital in Chicago, where they have very fine physicians specially trained in children's dermatology, plastic surgery and orthopaedics. I have already begun this process by e-mailing forms to Lebanon that need to be signed by Karim's father and notarized. Here, too, we must get forms notarized. In addition to this, the dermatologist's office called today and said they would like Karim to see a pediatrician because his blood tests came back with several abnormalities, including that he is anemic. If it's not one thing, it's another!! We have an appointment on August 7 with the pediatrician. Praise God for all the doctors here that are willing to offer their services. Thank you all for the prayers. Liz

[NYer]

Saydet Talle - Our Lady of the Mountains

[NYer]

Saydet Talle - Our Lady of the Mountains

[franky1]

The Lord be with him.

[AliVeritas]

“Am I not your mother”.

The Virgin to Juan Diego

[Rutles4Ever]

He’s a giant in the eyes of God. I pray for his healing.

[NYer]

Thank you for the prayers! It’s simply amazing to watch the progress Karim has made in such a short time. And to see him standing on his own feet ... what a picture!

[NYer]

Previous postings:

Karim's First Day in America (Prayers before statue of the Blessed Mother)
The Faith of a Child
Karim's Second Doctor Appointment
Ebtisam's Faith
Ebtisam, Karim & Their American Friends (Give Praise to God Above All)
A Go-Cart Ride and a Singing Lesson (for Karim)
2nd Appointment with Dermatologist
The Zoo and the Eye Doctor

[Maeve]

We have heard of many such stories of the Blessed Mother appearing to Alowite Muslims and to the Druze people. I think that Bishop Sheen was right when he said Mary would be the link to draw them to Truth.

[Nihil Obstat]

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

[AnAmericanMother]

Remember, O most blessed Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of Virgins, our Mother. To thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy great mercy hear and answer me.

[NYer]

I think that Bishop Sheen was right when he said Mary would be the link to draw them to Truth.

Indeed, Maeve! And here is his article on Mary.

Mary and the Muslims (an eye opener)

[PCBMan]

That’s an awesome story. I live right around the corner from St. Lazare’s retreat house! I have been keeping up with this series of postings, and keeping all involved in my prayers.

[PCBMan]

That’s an awesome story. I live right around the corner from St. Lazare’s retreat house! I have been keeping up with this series of postings, and keeping all involved in my prayers.

[Salvation]

Mary Speaks to Karim and A Visit to the Plastic Surgeon

A Go-Cart Ride and a Singing Lesson (for Karim)

Ebtisam, Karim & Their American Friends (Give Praise to God Above All)

Ebtisam's Faith

Karim's First Day in America (Prayers before statue of the Blessed Mother)

Karim's Second Doctor Appointment

The Faith of a Child [Catholic Caucus]