Dec 16, 2024, 5:28 PM
Dec 16, 2024, 5:28 PM

California priest claims miraculous cure of torn Achilles

Highlights
  • After a basketball injury in 2017, Juan Manuel Gutierrez was diagnosed with a torn Achilles tendon.
  • He engaged in a novena dedicated to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, during which he felt warmth in his injured ankle.
  • Medical examinations later indicated a miraculous healing, prompting interest from the Archdiocese and leading to further investigation for potential canonization.
Story

In California, a 38-year-old priest named Juan Manuel Gutierrez, serving in Baldwin Park, faced a significant injury while playing basketball at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo in 2017. His torn Achilles tendon was diagnosed and progressively worsened, leading him to fear a lengthy recovery period that would also impact his studies. Rather than opting for intrusive medical treatments, Gutierrez chose to engage in a novena—a traditional Catholic practice involving nine days of prayers—dedicated to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian figure known for his charitable works. This decision marked a turning point in his life as he sought spiritual healing during his time of distress. During the novena, Gutierrez reported an unusual sensation of warmth around his injured ankle. This feeling prompted him to stop using the immobilization brace that had previously supported him and, surprisingly, an orthopedic evaluation revealed a striking change: his Achilles tendon appeared to have healed without the expected gap that the MRI had shown before. This compelling development led Gutierrez to share his miraculous experience within the context of his studies about the canonization process of Frassati, suggesting a potential medical miracle attributed to the saint's intercession. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles took an interest in his story, conducting further investigations to document the events surrounding Gutierrez's recovery. This investigation included interviews with witnesses and reviews of medical records. Eventually, Pope Francis officially recognized a second miracle related to Frassati, which corroborated Gutierrez's experience although he was not named at that point. Even so, the priest expressed profound gratitude, calling Frassati a great role model for living out one's faith actively, especially in aiding those in need. Gutierrez reflected on how Frassati's example had inspired him during a crucial moment in his life, a connection that many within the faith community find meaningful and indicative of the divine influence at work in their lives. As Gutierrez continues his ministry, he emphasizes the importance of faith combined with action, drawing from his own story which stands as a testament to the potential for divine intervention. His miraculous recovery not only illustrates the profound impact of prayer in the Catholic tradition but also presents a unique case study for potential canonization and the recognition of miracles within the church. The narrative surrounding his journey resonates deeply within the community, serving as a reminder of the strength found in faith during challenging times.

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