The Weight of Glory

Cancer seems to be everywhere these days. I received an e-mail last night from Peter Braam, fellow Steubenville alum, who has been diagnosed with a form of lymphoma. Pete was the one who first introduced me to the life of Pier Giorgio Frassati.

Please consider joining in this novena to storm heaven on his behalf. (Thanks, Dom, for getting the novena posted right away).

Pete wrote:

I am writing to ask for your prayers. Yesterday I went to the doctor to have him look at a lump on my neck. After some tests they think that it is cancerous - lymphoma. This is not conclusive right now, but it seems to be very likely. Monday morning they will do a biopsy and should be able to give an accurate prognosis....

This is a big shock for me, but I do trust that my life is in God’s hands!

Most of you know that I have a great love for Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. In 1999 when I moved to Colorado I learned about his incredibly holy life of prayer, love for poor and sick people, and love of the mountains!!! What a wonderful “saint”!!! Saint is in quotes because he has not yet been canonized. The Church is waiting for a second miracle attributed to his intersession.

I’d like to ask for Blessed Frassati’s intersession for the healing of the lump on my neck and cancer if that is what it is. If we all start today, we can complete a Novena (a nine-day prayer) on April 6. April 6 is the birthday of Blessed Frassati!

I have not been in touch with many of you for a long time. I hope that you are all well and it is my greatest hope that you are staying close to Jesus. Love of Christ is the single most important thing in this life. So I will offer up this illness for that intention, that all of you, my family and friends live your lives reconciled with Christ and in faithful love of Him!

Peace in Our Lord,

Peter Braam