Sister shares her miracle cure with St. Joseph School students

Miracles happen.  But how often is one privileged to be in the presence of the recipient of such a blessing?  On April 30, 2012, the students and faculty of St. Joseph School, along with many parishioners of St. Joseph Basilica, welcomed Sister Marie Simon-Pierre Normand, whose miraculous cure from Parkinson’s disease led to the beatification of Blessed Pope John Paul II.

Sister was introduced by Principal Donald Cushing and the welcoming address was given in French by students, Paul Davey and Lucas Yash, Grade 4 students in Father Gregory’s French class at St. Joseph School.  Speaking in her native French, Sister Normand talked about the pain and suffering she experienced during her illness, including the loss of her ability to write.  In 2005, shortly after the pope’s death, Sister’s tremors and pain from Parkinson’s were so unbearable that she was unable to continue her nursing work and asked to be replaced, knowing she was destined for life in a wheelchair.

Sister Marie Thomas Fabre (who accompanied Sister Normand to the United States), asked the sisters of their congregation to pray on Sister Normand’s behalf for the intercession of John Paul II, who also suffered from Parkinson’s disease.  On June 2, 2005, Sister Normand was able to write again and instinctively knew she had been cured of the disease.  Sister Marie Thomas, Sister Normand’s Sister Superior in 2005 and now Mother General of the Little Sisters of Catholic Maternity, also spoke to those present about her role as a witness to the cure of Sister Normand.  She related her experience from the beginning of Sister Normand’s diagnosis through her miraculous cure.  After her presentation, Sister Normand graciously posed for pictures with the students and greeted parishioners in attendance.  The Sisters’ testimony was translated for the students by Sister Marie Judith Dupuy, SSA, Director of the Haitian Apostolate for the Diocese of Worcester.  This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the students of St. Joseph School was arranged by Marie Romagnano, RN founder of Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy and a member of St. Joseph Basilica parish.