Photina

Photina
n., An issue of water from the earth; a spring; a fountain. v.intr., To rise to the surface, ready to flow; to rise or surge from an inner source. v.tr., To pour forth. adj., In a satisfactory condition; right or proper. interj., Used to introduce a remark, resume a narrative, or fill a pause during conversation; used to express surprise.dictionary.com

Friday, March 07, 2003

Today's update on Al Kresta:

The good news for today is that Al came through the second surgery with flying colors.

The hard news is that this again is a further amputation. Therefore, Al will be in a great deal of pain over the next 4 - 5 days. While pain-killing drugs will help, Al will need your prayers to sustain himself during this last stage.

Al's "Theme", so to speak, has been to unite his suffering with that of Christ. Please make that the intention of your prayers.

Oh Lord, may Your Mercy flow to our brother Al.
May he be granted the Grace to unite his suffering to Your own.
May this time be used to bring Al, and us, closer to You.
And through this time may You strengthen our faith, that we may be ever pursuant of Your Will,
May You grant us Wisdom and discernment so that we may recognize and know Your Will
And may You fill us courage and patience so that we may do Your Will
In all things, in all ways and to all people.

posted by Heidi | 7.3.03

Thursday, March 06, 2003

It is now Lent, and so I've changed my template to reflect the season.

Updates on Al Kresta from today and yesterday (in that order):

We continue to be overwhelmed with the outpouring of support for Al.

If you have not already done so take a minute to read some of the phenomenal messages people have left for AL at www.amcguild.org - it is quite a testimony. Please leave a message there yourself if you are so moved. This is just a small sample of the fruit of Al's ministry.

Thank you again for your support of AL and his ministry. These stories edify all of us at Ave Maria Communications. These stories confirm us in our work and re-assure us that the work of our hands, when giving back to the Lord, does produce a harvest.

Al remains in good condition.

The surgeons have determined that AL is well enough to go through the second stage of his initial amputation. This second procedure will prepare his leg to receive a prosthesis.

The surgery will begin at noon today. So, we are of course, asking for you to remember Al in your prayers. We will keep you informed as we learn more.

We will decide to send another update today depending on the time he is out of surgery. If it is too late in the work day we will send the update first thing tomorrow morning.

Thank you again, Deo Gratias,

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Ash Wednesday Update at 15:51
Today Al remains in Good Condition. We still await the scheduling of his second procedure.

I thought you would like to know that over the last couple of days,. Al has directed some of prayers and study to St. Anthony of Padua. St. Anthony is the Patron Saint of Amputees (among many other things). Renowned for his preaching and teaching, Butler's Lives of the Saints records St. Anthony as a man of "learning, eloquence, great power of persuasion", he has a "burning zeal for souls and a sonorous voice". As we continue to pray for Al's full recovery, please invoke the intercession of St. Anthony of Padua, Patron Saint of Amputees.

Thank you for your continued prayer. Soon the hard part will begin, and the drama of the initial incident will fade. But physical therapy will be very demanding and so I ask that AL Kresta and Ave Maria Communications become a regular part of your daily prayer.

May God continue to bless you and your family for your kind efforts.

posted by Heidi | 6.3.03