Every Sunday morning I usher Holy Mass at my beloved lifelong parish, St. Anthony’s in Milwaukee (above). I’ve been doing so since 1970 (elementary school). You do the math.

Many Sundays the ushers get to see this little guy in the back of church with one of his parents.

Thomas Fenelon who is now 8 years old has a chromosome disorder with a significant cognitive delay and is nonverbal. This ridiculous year of 2020 has actually been Thomas’ best according to his mother as he’s learned a few more signs and communicates better with gestures. And he’s been healthier than ever.

But this week Thomas needed and had surgery on his vascular ring (heart vessel surrounding his esophagus). The operation will make it easier for him to swallow food. Mom asked for prayers and got them.

The surgery Thursday went well. Thomas was placed in the ICU and sedated so he wouldn’t disrupt his tubes or be in pain. Could be home in a few days.

Priscilla Shirer, the author of the Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer says, “Prayer is the portal that brings the power of heaven down to earth. It is kryptonite to the enemy and to all his ploys against you.”

Author Mark Patterson says, “Prayers are prophecies. They are the best predictors of your spiritual future. Who you become is determined by how you pray. Ultimately, the transcript of your prayers becomes the script of your life.”

In  John 16:23-24, Jesus vowed:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

My friends, we have a lot to pray for. So let’s do it.