Just a few weeks ago one of our parishioners, Zita deSa
gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Natasha Marie. On the
outside Natasha looks perfect; well formed, a full head of
jet-black hair and the cutest little dimple in her chin.
However, her heart is weak, as are her pulmonary arteries,
and other major blood vessels are in the wrong place, and
the doctor’s initially said that there is nothing they can do
for her. However, this baby is a fighter. She is breathing
and eating well and responds to her mother’s voice and
touch. Her records have been sent to hospitals all over the
country, in the hope that perhaps one might be able to help
her.
In the short time since her birth, Natasha has made a
tremendous impact on the lives of hundreds of people. As
word of Natasha’s plight spread through family and friends,
to the parish, and beyond, so too did countless prayers on
her behalf begin to ascend to the heavens. People in three
different continents are praying for her. For many of our
daily communicants there is a special urgency as we
watched and waited for Natasha’s birth these past months.
Several women of the parish have said to me, “I feel as if
she is my own baby.” Children in the school are praying for
her, as are many families in their own homes. Three-year
old Katrina deSa has even started leading the family
Rosary for her little sister. It is as if little Natasha is a
spiritual meteorite with ripples of prayer spreading out from
the point of impact - off to the horizon.
Colin and Zita, Natasha’s parents, are hopeful and
upbeat. Touched by the concern showered upon them,
they trust in God and His saving plan for us all. Their
generosity in accepting this child from God bespeaks their
deep faith. We hope and pray for a miracle, but will accept
whatever God has in mind. Whether her life be long or
short, Natasha Marie deSa will have truly made the world a
little bit better than it was before.