Little St. Julian Mary Pearl, Pray for Us!

Please keep our oldest son, his sweet wife, and their five children in your prayers today.  This afternoon, there is going to be a burial service for a child whom our daughter-in-law miscarried about two weeks ago.  It was too early on in the pregnancy to determine the sex of the baby; therefore, they have chosen the name Julian Mary, since Julian is a saint's name that can be used by either a boy or a girl.  And of course it's always a good idea to add Our Blessed Mother's name as a middle name.

This tragic loss follows much too closely on the heels of their loss of Liguori Mary last May.

I don't know why some lives are snuffed out "too soon" or "before their time," as people often put it (as if we mere mortals can possibly know the best time for a life to end). But I do know that God has a plan for each and every life, no matter how short, and that those two precious babies (who join two others who also went straight to God's arms some years ago, before they could be held by their parents) lived exactly as long as they were meant to live.  They accomplished the purpose God had for them and then went home to Him. They will never be forgotten; and I can only imagine how joyous it will be when their siblings and their mom and dad are reunited with them in Heaven.

I am comforted by the image of these four wee saints, four powerful intercessors, looking out for the loving family of which they are just as much a part as the four sisters and one brother who live and breathe on this earth.   I know that their Papa and I will remember them every day for the rest of our lives, and we will speak their names aloud as we recite our intentions during our daily prayers and Rosaries. 

Please keep this faith-filled couple, who trust completely in God's plan for their family and have accepted their losses with extraordinary grace, and their children (especially the four girls, tender-hearted "mothers" who so wanted another baby to love on) in your prayers, as they mourn this tragic loss.  Thank you!

St. Julian of Norwich, pray for us!  O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee!  And St. Julian Mary Pearl, pray for us!