A Springfield man’s recovery from certain brain damage is being credited to intervention by an Italian priest who died in 1915.
William Glisson Jr., was rollerblading backwards down Baltimore Pike In Springfield, Delaware County, Pa in March 2002 when he hit a hole in the road, banged his head and went into a coma.
Glisson was 21 at the time.
Glisson underwent a serious of operations but little hope was offered.
A family friend organized prayers asking Don Luigi Guanella to make intercession with God for mercy. Joining in were
members of the Servants of Charity as well as residents and students of
the Don Guanella Village for those with developmental disabilities.
The village is in adjacent Marple Township although it has a Springfield address.
Don is Italian for father.
Don Guanella, who was born in 1842, founded several religious institutions dedicated to serving the needy.
He was beatified in 1964.
Glisson recovered soon after the prayers started and was back to work within three months. He is now 30 and married.
The Catholic Church has accepted the miracle and will canonize Don Guanella on Oct. 23.
Hat tip Phil M.