Prayer, Healing, and Eucharistic Spirituality
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Reflections and Comments
Dearest Father Bain,
Words cannot express what a blessing you have been to me this morning. My husband has Meniere's disease and we have been to one of your healing masses in Burlingame, which was very beautiful. We also attended Mass once at Sacred Heart while staying at a nearby campsite and we were delighted to see you as the celebrant as we did not realize that was your parish. I was filled with the Holy Spirit after that Mass, it was the highlight of our camping trip. I love to attend daily Mass as often as I can, but one of our priests is less than enthusiastic, just seeming to go through the motions, and handing out the body of Christ in such an offhand manner as to break your heart.
I found myself calling the rectory to find out when the other priest at our parish would be the celebrant. (He gives meaning to every word he speaks and makes the mass just come alive). But I have felt for months so guilty about this practice and I have prayed and prayed for me to rise above my feelings and not depend so much on the Priest, with no avail. To read your words and thoughts about Priests who don't seem prepared or don't bring meaning to the Mass this morning on your website made me feel so much better, I cried. I felt that it was sinful and judgmental on my part to not enjoy Mass regardless of what was going on outside of me. I couldn't get past that. So you have been an unexpected blessing in my life three times!
Thank you, Father Bain, I feel so much better. I will pray for you and your ministry and hope to see you at a healing Mass soon.
Burlingame, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
On Sat. April 29th, I attended your mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral here in San Francisco. I am a Sister for the Christian Community, and several of my Sisters told me about the mass. They were ill and wanted your blessing, and they knew I had been very ill for some time and hoped the mass would help me also. I went, not asking for a cure, but for whatever graces I needed to do the work our lord would ask of me. I was not in the line that went to you for the blessing, but when I reached the front, I looked into the face of the priest who would bless me and thought, you will do quite nicely! He blessed me and I returned to my seat.
Three days later I had extensive tests on my heart done, I had had angio-plasty in Sept. for a 70% blockage, and serious symptoms this spring suggested that the stint they had inserted might have moved and be blocking the artery. A week after the tests, the results showed my heart to be completely normal and totally free of any blockage!! My heart had been off its axis in an abnormal position for years. The new tests showed the deveation no longer exists. My heart is now upright in its proper position. One of the most notable symptoms of possible heart trouble had been an unnatural fatigue that made me sleep 20 hours a day, totally exhausted at all times, for about 3 months. That exhaustion has vanished and I now have my normal energy and zest for life . My doctors love it!! And so do I.
San Francisco, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
I felt the presence of God during the Mass yesterday like I've not felt in a Mass ever before. There was a sincerity on your part as the celebrant that I have not experienced ever. The people who were in attendance also seemed very sincere about their love of God and their prayers were like music to my ears (Imagine how God must have heard them!). At the end when everyone was reciting a rosary, I felt so comfortable and accepted there that I could read the last five psalms out loud. That was my prayer for healing to take place for those in attendance. As Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
I've read what you have to say about a Mass of healing and I would agree that if one goes expecting something, it won't happen, however going with an attitude of prayer truly makes it all real. Thank you for creating an atmosphere of love and acceptance for all believers. I will be sure to pray for you and your ministry. And will pass along the word to others.
San Francisco, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
My name is Joe Illuzzi, and I had the blessed fortune of meeting you when you visited my parish, St. Thomas the Apostle in West Hempstead, N.Y., just after Thanksgiving. You were good enough to place your hands on me because my wife Hanna and I were trying to have a baby through in-vitro fertilization. I just wanted to let you know that my wife conceived and we are expecting a child in mid-August.
West Hemptstead, New York
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Dear Father Bain,
"I moved two years ago from south America. I used to go everyday to mass, and since I moved here has been just on Sundays. Yesterday you remind me the power of Eucharist and woke up in me the desire to start again."
Burlingame, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
Just a short note of thanks. I attended the Mission at OLMM each of the three nights and found it to be a truly wonderful experience. I attended catholic grade school and was never taught how to pray the Rosary. Great thing about computers and the Internet, I found several sites that either allow you to download the Rosary or to pray the Rosary on-line. I pray the Rosary everyday now.
I attended the mission to pray for my mother. A couple of weeks prior she had had a massive heart attack and was scheduled for quadruple bypass surgery on the Wednesday morning of the mission. On Tuesday evening she attended the mission with my wife and I and received a blessing from you. Less than eight hours later she had to be at the hospital for surgery. Mom did extremely well with the operation. While still in the hospital I brought Mom Holy Water blest at the mission. When I arrived Mom would bless herself and pray, when visiting hours ended Mom would again bless herself with the Holy Water and we each say a silent prayer.
Over the next couple of days Mom developed an infection in the incision. The doctors were concerned because they feared the infection could spread to the internal organs. Last night the doctors had Mom checked by a "Cat Scan", the doctor today described it as a miracle. The infection had started to leave the soft tissue and enter the organs. The doctor said that it was "miraculous" the infection just simply turned around and went out the soft tissue the way it came in. If it had entered the organs Mom would be in the hospital at least two more weeks, if all continues to go well she will be coming home Christmas Eve.
Father, I've also prayed for my spiritual health every day since the mission began and I found a new peace through prayer to our Mother.
Queens, New York
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Dear Father Bain,
I would like to tell you of the joy and peace I experienced in my heart during the parish mission. When you placed your hand over my head, I felt such an enormous feeling of love and serenity. It was so stirring that I almost cried. My sister who was with me felt it too.
Queens, New York
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Dear Father Bain,
I am full of joy after the Parish Mission. I seldom pray the Rosary. The only time I pray is during Sunday Mass. But now, you made me realize the power of Prayers! I just cannot explain the love and joy I am feeling right now.
Before the Mass ended, you gave us that one question God will ask us, "Did you know that I love you?" That question made me think very hard. I felt as if God were talking directly to me.
I do not have serious physical illness but my spirit was healed that night. I hope for more missions in the future.
South San Francisco
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Dear Father Bain,
I am writhing to you concerning the Miraculous healing and recovery my brother who was diagnosed with the terrible disease of Alzheimer’s. As you know this is considered a fatal, non-curable disease of the brain. He was in an Alzheimer’s Care home for four and half months. He fell and broke his hips and was transferred to a skilled nursing facility. He continued to deteriorate and lose weight until he was only 100lbs. and unable to function or have any bodily control. He was there nine months. We attended many of your parish missions and Masse for healing. Along with friends and family we never lost hope. A wonderful nurse was put on his case and within a few months he learned to use a wheel chair, clean and dress himself and eventually with a occupational and physical therapy he re-learned to walk again. His demeanor changed from being combative and anxiety-riddled, to the kind, appreciative, and the sweet man he had been all his life. His nurse was the angel. We were rewarded with the miracle of his total recovery. He has been home one year this month. They have taken a trip to Oklahoma to visit relatives, gone to a spa and will be leaving for a month in Palm Springs in November. Father Bain, their are no words available to express my brother’s and our families’ gratitude to you and your healing ministry. We have read about other healing, but until we experience it personally, there is not way to thank God enough. We continue our family prayers of thanksgiving and tell others of your good work.
Belmont, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
I do not know how to share this, but this is what it comes down to. I attended the three-day parish mission at St. Catherine Church. Somewhere during the first Mass, I felt a wave, that is hard to describe, sweep over my body. My knee which had been bothering me for quite some time seemed to lose all the pain that I use to feel . Even today there is a marked drop in pain. My whole body used to be very painful in the joints. I thought this was due to arthritis, but even drugs had no effect in getting rid of the pain. After the healing mission, I felt most of the pain was gone. Also, I have followed the advise you gave us about prayer. Even thought I seem to have many problems, my spiritual faith has been uplifted by this prayer. To me this change in faith and good health is a start in my relationship to God. Now I pray and I find the strength to go on, not to worry and I know everything will be OK.
Burlingame, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
Last night your talk regarding Mary Our Mother and praying the rosary touched my heart. Deep inside me I knew the rosary was powerful, but never did I take the time to find the evidence in the Bible....you opened my eyes. This morning I read from Acts 19:27 and I started to cry. Just for a moment I felt some of her pain and it helped me to know there is no pain we experience that our Blessed Mother has not already felt.
Elma, N.Y.
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Dear Father Bain,
We received two miracles, two weeks ago. Shirly our daughter was 33 weeks pregnant, having given herself two injections daily of Heprin so that her baby would live. Shirly has an auto-immune blood disease which causes clots and caused two miscarriages within 3 months. Shirly went to Seton with a blood clot on her brain, cause by the Heprin. To save her life and the life of the baby, Katie was taken b C section. Before the neurosurgeons could start the brain surgery, Shirley’s airway became blocked by a musous plug. This was removed surgically followed by removal of the clot from her brain. Shirly is doing miraculously great. Katie is home from ICU and is a tiny, perfect gift from God. We thank you for your prayers and we thank God for these miracles.
San Bruno, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
My niece was involved in a serious automobile accident. She was in a coma and for a while. they did not think she would live. I attended the mission all three nights for her recovery and was moved by all the services. Being able to pray with the intensity shown by the whole congregation was something I had not felt in a long time. You will be pleased to know that now my niece is expected to make a full recovery.
Elma, N.Y.
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Dear Father Bain,
I have been wanting to write to you for a long time. During the past year I have been attending serveral of your Missions for healing with a friend. Recently, I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer with metastasis. I was told that I would have one or maybe one and one half years to live. My friend has been fighting colon cancer courageously for 6 years, receives intravenous feedings at night, and has not been able to eat food for over a year. We were both at your Mass last week. Father I do not think my friend and I are miracles, because we are not cured; but I can tell that we have both experienced healing. My physician told me this week she is enouraged by how well I am doing and that my prognosis is looking better. My friend has also just been allowed to eat small amounts of food and was told by her physician that some healing of her bowel has occurred I will pray for you and your ministry and I thank you for delivering God’s blessings to my friend and me. We hope to attend many more of the healing Masses in the future.
San Francisco
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Dear Father Bain,
My husband and I attended the Parish Mission last Spring and were most happy to have the opportunity to attend the Mission this Fall as well. We invited several friends from other parishes who were so happy we told them about the Mission. They asked if we could post a notice in their church bulletins should you return at sometime to Las Vegas. When we attended the Mission in the Spring, I was suffering a great deal of pain as result of scar tissue left from surgery. Shortly following the Mission, with continued prayers from my family and myself, I am fully recovered. Your sermons are interesting, informative, and spoken so eloquently. God bless you for the wor you are doing.
Las Vegas, NV
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Dear Father Bain,
It felt so good to be at the Parish Mission, to be part of so many who were praying , to feel the strength of those prayers, and the faith that accompanied them. I was there to prayer for my children. My son was suffering from a Phobia, extreme anxiety and not able to leave home. My daughter had crossed the line on dieting . By Friday my son began taking his medication which made him like his old self and by Monday he had a job. My daughter came to me on Monday evening and asked me to make an appointment for her to see a doctor. I thank God for these miracles, for surely they are miracles. And I thank you for directing us to the Lord, for showing us how to ask for healing, and how to pray. Your ministry is very much needed.
San Francisco
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Dear Father Bain,
When my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1991, I was told that he had only one year to live. A friend told me about the Masses for healing. I brought Jorge, who at the time was still groggy from chemotherapy. The Mass was solemn and we felt the Holy Spirit in us. It is now 1994 and Jorge is still alive.
So. San Francisco, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
I am writing to let you know how grateful I am to you for praying for me when I had a terrific pain on my side. The pain was so excruciating. I felt at times, before the Mass ended, that I was going to faint. After you prayed over me the pain went away and has not come back.
San Lorenzo
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Dear Father Bain,
When I was first diagnosed with inoperable cancer, the doctors gave me a 25% chance. Now I feel that I have a 100% chance.The first Mass for healing I attended I had been taking horrendous medical treatments. I remember sitting near the back of the church with my mother and husband. I was crying much of the time. I was so afraid of what my future could hold. Pain, disfigurement, etc. I was also very angry that I had to face a major surgery, that might not be successful. I prayed that Mass harder, I think, than ever before. The next morning I woke up, all the fear and all the anger had vanished! My heart and soul were at peace in a way I hadn’t known. The surgery was successful, and and I am on the road to complete recovery.
San Francisco
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Dear Father Bain,
In April 1993 I got word from my 22 year old daughter in Colorado that she had developed a serious case of endometriosis that would require immediate surgery. Since this young woman had previously been treated for cervical cancer the question arose of whether or not she would be able to have children. I flew out in time to bless her with Holy Water just before the surgery. (I always carry Holy Water with me from the Masses for healing.) The doctor didn’t give me a very pretty picture and seemed concerned about what he might find in surgery. He came out of the surgery way ahead of schedule, shook my hand and seemed incredulous that he only had to do some minor laser surgery and that she would be fine.
Again in June of this year I received a call from the same hospital. My daughter had been in a automobile accident and had "unknown injury" to her spinal cord with total dislocation of her spine. I found my daughter unconscious. The doctors did not give her much hope. I blessed her with the Holy Water. Three days later she was able to take some steps and is now on her way to a complete recovery. After both of these healings, I heard the word "miraculous" used by the doctors, physical therapists, x-ray technicians, nurses etc.. and can only conclude that the healing power of the Holy Water is amazing.
San Carlos
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Dear Father Bain,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! WOW! I felt rejuvenated and thankful after completing the past three nights. I have to admit the experience far surpassed my most optimistic expectations. Day One found me nervous and insecure, hoping I would survive the mission. Day Three found me peaceful and joyful. I was a bit saddened that the mission was over but know the experience will be forever with me. I have attended daily Mass for years but was hesitant to attend a "healing service" since I am far from charismatic. I hope you and this ministry are truly blessed. You have given much vitality to many people’s faith. You are an inspirational and remarkable speaker. Your talk on Penance inspired me to receive the sacrament for the first time in 20 years.
Elma, N.Y.
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Dear Father Bain,
I attended the first night of the parish mission you conducted at Annunciation Church. I was unsure of what I would hear and particularly what I would see. Of course that would determine whether I would return for the second night. Truthfully, I was sorry when the first session ended, and couldn’t wait to return for the second, and more so for the third.
Elma, N.Y.
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Dear Father Bain,
Several weeks ago I said my rosary in my office at approximately the time of your Blessings. You have said that during these Masses that we can pray for those not attending as if they were there. On this day I prayed as if I were there, hoping to receive the special blessing of the healing Mass from a far. My letter is to report that from that time on I could feel my life healing of current struggles, and that feeling is continuing the months past.
San Mateo, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
Two wonderful things happened after attending the Mission at St. Anthony’s: 1. Our son found a job 2. Our niece was told her child would be Downs. She came home from Turkey for tests and found out she would have a normal baby. I stood in for both and I am taken back by the swift outcome.
Novato, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
For several years my husband has been suffering from arthritis. His knee would give out when he walked and it would get stiff after sitting. He could not walk backwards. He could not straighten his leg and there were bumps or nodules on the side and behind his knee. Sometimes it would be so painful that he would take his fist and pound his knee in distress. In January, 1994, I attended one of you Masses job. I told him that he did not need to be present at the Mass to be healed, but that he just needed to be "present to Jesus". I told him to pray at home while I prayed at Mass. He said a very simple prayer to Jesus and asked Him to please heal his arthritic knee. The very next morning, he realized that he had been miraculously healed instantly! The pain was completely gone, the nodules had disappeared. He could walk backwards, jump and straighten out his leg. We have had MANY other miracles from these Masses...but I am writing you a letter, not a book.
San Bruno, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
I decided to take a chance and pray with Holy Water from the mission on my husbands knee. He had a bump on the knee that was very painful. His doctor had said that he would have to learn to live with the pain; it was an occupational hazard of a construction worker. I began praying with the Holy Water on my hands and I felt my hands get warm and so did my husband. I did not tell him at first that I was using Holy Water because he is a non-practicing Catholic. After I prayed he admitted that the knee felt better and it still does. The bump is gone. I then prayed with the Holy Water on his back which was in pain. Again we felt the same warmth in my hands and the pain went away.
Elma, N.Y.
P.S. Now I know why the two women got gallons of Holy Water. (The ones you told us about.)
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Dear Father Bain,
My sister and I met you one afternoon at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Shrine. You told us to bring some bottled water to the Mass for healing that evening. My sister insisted on bringing enough back to take home to the family and friends. We had six gallons, all we could carry. After we got home I heard about a 31 year old friend who had just been told that he had a brain tumor and had to be operated on. I was so upset I wanted to cry. Sara and I decided to go to the hospital and bless him with the Holy Water. He was in a lot of pain. It was like prayer and the Holy Water reached the roots and started to grow. A year later after more surgery and Chemo treatments, he is well. By looking at him I could feel the same spiritual movement I felt the night at the shrine in Orlando.
Covington, KY
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Dear Father Bain,
You remember me as the guy you met in the vestibule at St. Amelia’s Church. I told you about my sister who had a stroke and about a young lady who was critically injured in a hit and run accident. To update you, the girl is almost fully recovered, and in fact is back to work. My sister has reached a plateau and seems to be as good as she can expect to be although I keep asking Jesus to make an exception in her case. My life has changed since your visit and I hope to progress in my faith.
Tonawanda, N.Y.
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More Comments:
"Dear Father Bain:
I was raised Catholic and spent 16 years in Catholic schools, yet I can honestly say I had never been moved in a Catholic church. I saw a lot of hypocrisy around me and many of the priests seemed to just be going through the motions. After a priest at my school physically assaulted one of my friends, I left the church for good at the age of 16.
I recently attended one of your healing masses at St. Raphael's out of curiosity. I have an interest in spiritual healing and working with the terminally ill. I had no expectation of what might occur but I liked what I consider to be the unusual idea of a Catholic priest as a healer. During the rosary and the Mass I had a visceral response to something, although I cannot say what that was. I felt like crying throughout the services. The next morning I had an overwhelming desire to attend Mass and began going to the 6:30 services in the St. Raphael's chapel. I believe my spirit was healed on a deeper level than I could ever have imagined and I thank you for that! It was totally unexpected but, 44 years after I was baptized, I am finally appreciating my "newly" discovered Catholic faith.
I wish you the best of luck in your healing endeavors and I truly appreciate the experience I had in church that lovely night. I think you could possibly do more to bring lapsed Catholics back to the church than anything else I can imagine at this time. I hope the archdioscese continues to support your work!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
"Fr. Bain: I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for a very spiritual mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco on 4/29. It was a very memorable experience for me. I also wanted you to know that we (my family and I, 14 of us including aunts & uncles, and cousins) went to your mass, we went their for my mom mainly because she has ovarian cancer that has spread to her liver.
I got a call just a few minutes ago from my sister, my dad had a rash on his leg that has been there for 4 months, and on Sunday disappeared from his leg. My mom has not had to take any pills that she had been taking since last year, has not had to have any shots given to her by my dad, and has been feeling more energetic since your mass.
This is great news so far & I know it will continue."
"The Lord is really great and my leg was healed through your prayers. Last night was the first night I was able to sleep in my bed without any pain."
"On Tuesday, the pounding of my heart in my ears prior to my confession, the first in twenty years, was replaced by serenity. I felt a great weight being lifted off my shoulders."
"My niece was involved in a serious automobile accident. She was in a coma and for awhile the doctors were not sure she would live. I attended the Mission all three evenings for her recovery and was deeply moved by the service. You will be pleased to know that now my niece is expected to make a full recovery."
"Truthfully I was sorry when the first session ended, and could not wait to return for the second, more so for the third."
"I decided to take a chance and pray with the holy water from the mission as you recommended. My husband had a bump on the knee that was very painful. His doctor had said that he would have to learn to live with the pain. Now the bump is gone and he is in no more pain."
"I feel rejuvenated and thank you after completing the past three nights. I have to admit the experience far surpassed my most optimistic expectations."
"My husband said a very simple prayer to Jesus and asked him to please heal his arthritic knee. The very next morning, he realized that he had been miraculously healed instantly! The pain was completely gone, the nodules had disappeared, and he could walk backwards, jump and straighten his leg.."
" I wish I could tell you how good I feel inside. Thank you so much for the Mission. I wish we could have it more often."
"The mission has been the greatest spiritual healing for me. The peace I experienced during those days is inexplicable. I keep thinking of all those that attended and remember them daily."
"My friend was to be operated on for an aneurysm, and I rushed a bottler of the holy water to her so she could be blessed by it by her husband before the surgery. Today the doctors are amazed at her survival and recovery."
"My husband and I attended your mission. I want you to know that we were blessed and nothing but good has happened in our life since attending."
"The mission was an extraordinary experience for me. The day before the mission I got blown away with despondency and a sense of loss and hurt. During the three days, I experienced a change not in me only, but in those I work with. I prayed each day for them as well as for myself. The power of prayer is what did it."
"You prayed for my son after Mass and I believe it is through our continuous prayer that he has been healed by God. You have touched my life in a very special way and I thank God for this."
Dearest Father Bain,
Words cannot express what a blessing you have been to me this morning. My husband has Meniere's disease and we have been to one of your healing masses in Burlingame, which was very beautiful. We also attended Mass once at Sacred Heart while staying at a nearby campsite and we were delighted to see you as the celebrant as we did not realize that was your parish. I was filled with the Holy Spirit after that Mass, it was the highlight of our camping trip. I love to attend daily Mass as often as I can, but one of our priests is less than enthusiastic, just seeming to go through the motions, and handing out the body of Christ in such an offhand manner as to break your heart.
I found myself calling the rectory to find out when the other priest at our parish would be the celebrant. (He gives meaning to every word he speaks and makes the mass just come alive). But I have felt for months so guilty about this practice and I have prayed and prayed for me to rise above my feelings and not depend so much on the Priest, with no avail. To read your words and thoughts about Priests who don't seem prepared or don't bring meaning to the Mass this morning on your website made me feel so much better, I cried. I felt that it was sinful and judgmental on my part to not enjoy Mass regardless of what was going on outside of me. I couldn't get past that. So you have been an unexpected blessing in my life three times!
Thank you, Father Bain, I feel so much better. I will pray for you and your ministry and hope to see you at a healing Mass soon.
Burlingame, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
On Sat. April 29th, I attended your mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral here in San Francisco. I am a Sister for the Christian Community, and several of my Sisters told me about the mass. They were ill and wanted your blessing, and they knew I had been very ill for some time and hoped the mass would help me also. I went, not asking for a cure, but for whatever graces I needed to do the work our lord would ask of me. I was not in the line that went to you for the blessing, but when I reached the front, I looked into the face of the priest who would bless me and thought, you will do quite nicely! He blessed me and I returned to my seat.
Three days later I had extensive tests on my heart done, I had had angio-plasty in Sept. for a 70% blockage, and serious symptoms this spring suggested that the stint they had inserted might have moved and be blocking the artery. A week after the tests, the results showed my heart to be completely normal and totally free of any blockage!! My heart had been off its axis in an abnormal position for years. The new tests showed the deveation no longer exists. My heart is now upright in its proper position. One of the most notable symptoms of possible heart trouble had been an unnatural fatigue that made me sleep 20 hours a day, totally exhausted at all times, for about 3 months. That exhaustion has vanished and I now have my normal energy and zest for life . My doctors love it!! And so do I.
San Francisco, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
I felt the presence of God during the Mass yesterday like I've not felt in a Mass ever before. There was a sincerity on your part as the celebrant that I have not experienced ever. The people who were in attendance also seemed very sincere about their love of God and their prayers were like music to my ears (Imagine how God must have heard them!). At the end when everyone was reciting a rosary, I felt so comfortable and accepted there that I could read the last five psalms out loud. That was my prayer for healing to take place for those in attendance. As Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
I've read what you have to say about a Mass of healing and I would agree that if one goes expecting something, it won't happen, however going with an attitude of prayer truly makes it all real. Thank you for creating an atmosphere of love and acceptance for all believers. I will be sure to pray for you and your ministry. And will pass along the word to others.
San Francisco, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
My name is Joe Illuzzi, and I had the blessed fortune of meeting you when you visited my parish, St. Thomas the Apostle in West Hempstead, N.Y., just after Thanksgiving. You were good enough to place your hands on me because my wife Hanna and I were trying to have a baby through in-vitro fertilization. I just wanted to let you know that my wife conceived and we are expecting a child in mid-August.
West Hemptstead, New York
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Dear Father Bain,
"I moved two years ago from south America. I used to go everyday to mass, and since I moved here has been just on Sundays. Yesterday you remind me the power of Eucharist and woke up in me the desire to start again."
Burlingame, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
Just a short note of thanks. I attended the Mission at OLMM each of the three nights and found it to be a truly wonderful experience. I attended catholic grade school and was never taught how to pray the Rosary. Great thing about computers and the Internet, I found several sites that either allow you to download the Rosary or to pray the Rosary on-line. I pray the Rosary everyday now.
I attended the mission to pray for my mother. A couple of weeks prior she had had a massive heart attack and was scheduled for quadruple bypass surgery on the Wednesday morning of the mission. On Tuesday evening she attended the mission with my wife and I and received a blessing from you. Less than eight hours later she had to be at the hospital for surgery. Mom did extremely well with the operation. While still in the hospital I brought Mom Holy Water blest at the mission. When I arrived Mom would bless herself and pray, when visiting hours ended Mom would again bless herself with the Holy Water and we each say a silent prayer.
Over the next couple of days Mom developed an infection in the incision. The doctors were concerned because they feared the infection could spread to the internal organs. Last night the doctors had Mom checked by a "Cat Scan", the doctor today described it as a miracle. The infection had started to leave the soft tissue and enter the organs. The doctor said that it was "miraculous" the infection just simply turned around and went out the soft tissue the way it came in. If it had entered the organs Mom would be in the hospital at least two more weeks, if all continues to go well she will be coming home Christmas Eve.
Father, I've also prayed for my spiritual health every day since the mission began and I found a new peace through prayer to our Mother.
Queens, New York
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Dear Father Bain,
I would like to tell you of the joy and peace I experienced in my heart during the parish mission. When you placed your hand over my head, I felt such an enormous feeling of love and serenity. It was so stirring that I almost cried. My sister who was with me felt it too.
Queens, New York
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Dear Father Bain,
I am full of joy after the Parish Mission. I seldom pray the Rosary. The only time I pray is during Sunday Mass. But now, you made me realize the power of Prayers! I just cannot explain the love and joy I am feeling right now.
Before the Mass ended, you gave us that one question God will ask us, "Did you know that I love you?" That question made me think very hard. I felt as if God were talking directly to me.
I do not have serious physical illness but my spirit was healed that night. I hope for more missions in the future.
South San Francisco
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Dear Father Bain,
I am writhing to you concerning the Miraculous healing and recovery my brother who was diagnosed with the terrible disease of Alzheimer’s. As you know this is considered a fatal, non-curable disease of the brain. He was in an Alzheimer’s Care home for four and half months. He fell and broke his hips and was transferred to a skilled nursing facility. He continued to deteriorate and lose weight until he was only 100lbs. and unable to function or have any bodily control. He was there nine months. We attended many of your parish missions and Masse for healing. Along with friends and family we never lost hope. A wonderful nurse was put on his case and within a few months he learned to use a wheel chair, clean and dress himself and eventually with a occupational and physical therapy he re-learned to walk again. His demeanor changed from being combative and anxiety-riddled, to the kind, appreciative, and the sweet man he had been all his life. His nurse was the angel. We were rewarded with the miracle of his total recovery. He has been home one year this month. They have taken a trip to Oklahoma to visit relatives, gone to a spa and will be leaving for a month in Palm Springs in November. Father Bain, their are no words available to express my brother’s and our families’ gratitude to you and your healing ministry. We have read about other healing, but until we experience it personally, there is not way to thank God enough. We continue our family prayers of thanksgiving and tell others of your good work.
Belmont, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
I do not know how to share this, but this is what it comes down to. I attended the three-day parish mission at St. Catherine Church. Somewhere during the first Mass, I felt a wave, that is hard to describe, sweep over my body. My knee which had been bothering me for quite some time seemed to lose all the pain that I use to feel . Even today there is a marked drop in pain. My whole body used to be very painful in the joints. I thought this was due to arthritis, but even drugs had no effect in getting rid of the pain. After the healing mission, I felt most of the pain was gone. Also, I have followed the advise you gave us about prayer. Even thought I seem to have many problems, my spiritual faith has been uplifted by this prayer. To me this change in faith and good health is a start in my relationship to God. Now I pray and I find the strength to go on, not to worry and I know everything will be OK.
Burlingame, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
Last night your talk regarding Mary Our Mother and praying the rosary touched my heart. Deep inside me I knew the rosary was powerful, but never did I take the time to find the evidence in the Bible....you opened my eyes. This morning I read from Acts 19:27 and I started to cry. Just for a moment I felt some of her pain and it helped me to know there is no pain we experience that our Blessed Mother has not already felt.
Elma, N.Y.
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Dear Father Bain,
We received two miracles, two weeks ago. Shirly our daughter was 33 weeks pregnant, having given herself two injections daily of Heprin so that her baby would live. Shirly has an auto-immune blood disease which causes clots and caused two miscarriages within 3 months. Shirly went to Seton with a blood clot on her brain, cause by the Heprin. To save her life and the life of the baby, Katie was taken b C section. Before the neurosurgeons could start the brain surgery, Shirley’s airway became blocked by a musous plug. This was removed surgically followed by removal of the clot from her brain. Shirly is doing miraculously great. Katie is home from ICU and is a tiny, perfect gift from God. We thank you for your prayers and we thank God for these miracles.
San Bruno, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
My niece was involved in a serious automobile accident. She was in a coma and for a while. they did not think she would live. I attended the mission all three nights for her recovery and was moved by all the services. Being able to pray with the intensity shown by the whole congregation was something I had not felt in a long time. You will be pleased to know that now my niece is expected to make a full recovery.
Elma, N.Y.
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Dear Father Bain,
I have been wanting to write to you for a long time. During the past year I have been attending serveral of your Missions for healing with a friend. Recently, I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer with metastasis. I was told that I would have one or maybe one and one half years to live. My friend has been fighting colon cancer courageously for 6 years, receives intravenous feedings at night, and has not been able to eat food for over a year. We were both at your Mass last week. Father I do not think my friend and I are miracles, because we are not cured; but I can tell that we have both experienced healing. My physician told me this week she is enouraged by how well I am doing and that my prognosis is looking better. My friend has also just been allowed to eat small amounts of food and was told by her physician that some healing of her bowel has occurred I will pray for you and your ministry and I thank you for delivering God’s blessings to my friend and me. We hope to attend many more of the healing Masses in the future.
San Francisco
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Dear Father Bain,
My husband and I attended the Parish Mission last Spring and were most happy to have the opportunity to attend the Mission this Fall as well. We invited several friends from other parishes who were so happy we told them about the Mission. They asked if we could post a notice in their church bulletins should you return at sometime to Las Vegas. When we attended the Mission in the Spring, I was suffering a great deal of pain as result of scar tissue left from surgery. Shortly following the Mission, with continued prayers from my family and myself, I am fully recovered. Your sermons are interesting, informative, and spoken so eloquently. God bless you for the wor you are doing.
Las Vegas, NV
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Dear Father Bain,
It felt so good to be at the Parish Mission, to be part of so many who were praying , to feel the strength of those prayers, and the faith that accompanied them. I was there to prayer for my children. My son was suffering from a Phobia, extreme anxiety and not able to leave home. My daughter had crossed the line on dieting . By Friday my son began taking his medication which made him like his old self and by Monday he had a job. My daughter came to me on Monday evening and asked me to make an appointment for her to see a doctor. I thank God for these miracles, for surely they are miracles. And I thank you for directing us to the Lord, for showing us how to ask for healing, and how to pray. Your ministry is very much needed.
San Francisco
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Dear Father Bain,
When my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1991, I was told that he had only one year to live. A friend told me about the Masses for healing. I brought Jorge, who at the time was still groggy from chemotherapy. The Mass was solemn and we felt the Holy Spirit in us. It is now 1994 and Jorge is still alive.
So. San Francisco, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
I am writing to let you know how grateful I am to you for praying for me when I had a terrific pain on my side. The pain was so excruciating. I felt at times, before the Mass ended, that I was going to faint. After you prayed over me the pain went away and has not come back.
San Lorenzo
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Dear Father Bain,
When I was first diagnosed with inoperable cancer, the doctors gave me a 25% chance. Now I feel that I have a 100% chance.The first Mass for healing I attended I had been taking horrendous medical treatments. I remember sitting near the back of the church with my mother and husband. I was crying much of the time. I was so afraid of what my future could hold. Pain, disfigurement, etc. I was also very angry that I had to face a major surgery, that might not be successful. I prayed that Mass harder, I think, than ever before. The next morning I woke up, all the fear and all the anger had vanished! My heart and soul were at peace in a way I hadn’t known. The surgery was successful, and and I am on the road to complete recovery.
San Francisco
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Dear Father Bain,
In April 1993 I got word from my 22 year old daughter in Colorado that she had developed a serious case of endometriosis that would require immediate surgery. Since this young woman had previously been treated for cervical cancer the question arose of whether or not she would be able to have children. I flew out in time to bless her with Holy Water just before the surgery. (I always carry Holy Water with me from the Masses for healing.) The doctor didn’t give me a very pretty picture and seemed concerned about what he might find in surgery. He came out of the surgery way ahead of schedule, shook my hand and seemed incredulous that he only had to do some minor laser surgery and that she would be fine.
Again in June of this year I received a call from the same hospital. My daughter had been in a automobile accident and had "unknown injury" to her spinal cord with total dislocation of her spine. I found my daughter unconscious. The doctors did not give her much hope. I blessed her with the Holy Water. Three days later she was able to take some steps and is now on her way to a complete recovery. After both of these healings, I heard the word "miraculous" used by the doctors, physical therapists, x-ray technicians, nurses etc.. and can only conclude that the healing power of the Holy Water is amazing.
San Carlos
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Dear Father Bain,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! WOW! I felt rejuvenated and thankful after completing the past three nights. I have to admit the experience far surpassed my most optimistic expectations. Day One found me nervous and insecure, hoping I would survive the mission. Day Three found me peaceful and joyful. I was a bit saddened that the mission was over but know the experience will be forever with me. I have attended daily Mass for years but was hesitant to attend a "healing service" since I am far from charismatic. I hope you and this ministry are truly blessed. You have given much vitality to many people’s faith. You are an inspirational and remarkable speaker. Your talk on Penance inspired me to receive the sacrament for the first time in 20 years.
Elma, N.Y.
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Dear Father Bain,
I attended the first night of the parish mission you conducted at Annunciation Church. I was unsure of what I would hear and particularly what I would see. Of course that would determine whether I would return for the second night. Truthfully, I was sorry when the first session ended, and couldn’t wait to return for the second, and more so for the third.
Elma, N.Y.
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Dear Father Bain,
Several weeks ago I said my rosary in my office at approximately the time of your Blessings. You have said that during these Masses that we can pray for those not attending as if they were there. On this day I prayed as if I were there, hoping to receive the special blessing of the healing Mass from a far. My letter is to report that from that time on I could feel my life healing of current struggles, and that feeling is continuing the months past.
San Mateo, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
Two wonderful things happened after attending the Mission at St. Anthony’s: 1. Our son found a job 2. Our niece was told her child would be Downs. She came home from Turkey for tests and found out she would have a normal baby. I stood in for both and I am taken back by the swift outcome.
Novato, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
For several years my husband has been suffering from arthritis. His knee would give out when he walked and it would get stiff after sitting. He could not walk backwards. He could not straighten his leg and there were bumps or nodules on the side and behind his knee. Sometimes it would be so painful that he would take his fist and pound his knee in distress. In January, 1994, I attended one of you Masses job. I told him that he did not need to be present at the Mass to be healed, but that he just needed to be "present to Jesus". I told him to pray at home while I prayed at Mass. He said a very simple prayer to Jesus and asked Him to please heal his arthritic knee. The very next morning, he realized that he had been miraculously healed instantly! The pain was completely gone, the nodules had disappeared. He could walk backwards, jump and straighten out his leg. We have had MANY other miracles from these Masses...but I am writing you a letter, not a book.
San Bruno, CA
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Dear Father Bain,
I decided to take a chance and pray with Holy Water from the mission on my husbands knee. He had a bump on the knee that was very painful. His doctor had said that he would have to learn to live with the pain; it was an occupational hazard of a construction worker. I began praying with the Holy Water on my hands and I felt my hands get warm and so did my husband. I did not tell him at first that I was using Holy Water because he is a non-practicing Catholic. After I prayed he admitted that the knee felt better and it still does. The bump is gone. I then prayed with the Holy Water on his back which was in pain. Again we felt the same warmth in my hands and the pain went away.
Elma, N.Y.
P.S. Now I know why the two women got gallons of Holy Water. (The ones you told us about.)
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Dear Father Bain,
My sister and I met you one afternoon at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Shrine. You told us to bring some bottled water to the Mass for healing that evening. My sister insisted on bringing enough back to take home to the family and friends. We had six gallons, all we could carry. After we got home I heard about a 31 year old friend who had just been told that he had a brain tumor and had to be operated on. I was so upset I wanted to cry. Sara and I decided to go to the hospital and bless him with the Holy Water. He was in a lot of pain. It was like prayer and the Holy Water reached the roots and started to grow. A year later after more surgery and Chemo treatments, he is well. By looking at him I could feel the same spiritual movement I felt the night at the shrine in Orlando.
Covington, KY
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Dear Father Bain,
You remember me as the guy you met in the vestibule at St. Amelia’s Church. I told you about my sister who had a stroke and about a young lady who was critically injured in a hit and run accident. To update you, the girl is almost fully recovered, and in fact is back to work. My sister has reached a plateau and seems to be as good as she can expect to be although I keep asking Jesus to make an exception in her case. My life has changed since your visit and I hope to progress in my faith.
Tonawanda, N.Y.
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More Comments:
"Dear Father Bain:
I was raised Catholic and spent 16 years in Catholic schools, yet I can honestly say I had never been moved in a Catholic church. I saw a lot of hypocrisy around me and many of the priests seemed to just be going through the motions. After a priest at my school physically assaulted one of my friends, I left the church for good at the age of 16.
I recently attended one of your healing masses at St. Raphael's out of curiosity. I have an interest in spiritual healing and working with the terminally ill. I had no expectation of what might occur but I liked what I consider to be the unusual idea of a Catholic priest as a healer. During the rosary and the Mass I had a visceral response to something, although I cannot say what that was. I felt like crying throughout the services. The next morning I had an overwhelming desire to attend Mass and began going to the 6:30 services in the St. Raphael's chapel. I believe my spirit was healed on a deeper level than I could ever have imagined and I thank you for that! It was totally unexpected but, 44 years after I was baptized, I am finally appreciating my "newly" discovered Catholic faith.
I wish you the best of luck in your healing endeavors and I truly appreciate the experience I had in church that lovely night. I think you could possibly do more to bring lapsed Catholics back to the church than anything else I can imagine at this time. I hope the archdioscese continues to support your work!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
"Fr. Bain: I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for a very spiritual mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco on 4/29. It was a very memorable experience for me. I also wanted you to know that we (my family and I, 14 of us including aunts & uncles, and cousins) went to your mass, we went their for my mom mainly because she has ovarian cancer that has spread to her liver.
I got a call just a few minutes ago from my sister, my dad had a rash on his leg that has been there for 4 months, and on Sunday disappeared from his leg. My mom has not had to take any pills that she had been taking since last year, has not had to have any shots given to her by my dad, and has been feeling more energetic since your mass.
This is great news so far & I know it will continue."
"The Lord is really great and my leg was healed through your prayers. Last night was the first night I was able to sleep in my bed without any pain."
"On Tuesday, the pounding of my heart in my ears prior to my confession, the first in twenty years, was replaced by serenity. I felt a great weight being lifted off my shoulders."
"My niece was involved in a serious automobile accident. She was in a coma and for awhile the doctors were not sure she would live. I attended the Mission all three evenings for her recovery and was deeply moved by the service. You will be pleased to know that now my niece is expected to make a full recovery."
"Truthfully I was sorry when the first session ended, and could not wait to return for the second, more so for the third."
"I decided to take a chance and pray with the holy water from the mission as you recommended. My husband had a bump on the knee that was very painful. His doctor had said that he would have to learn to live with the pain. Now the bump is gone and he is in no more pain."
"I feel rejuvenated and thank you after completing the past three nights. I have to admit the experience far surpassed my most optimistic expectations."
"My husband said a very simple prayer to Jesus and asked him to please heal his arthritic knee. The very next morning, he realized that he had been miraculously healed instantly! The pain was completely gone, the nodules had disappeared, and he could walk backwards, jump and straighten his leg.."
" I wish I could tell you how good I feel inside. Thank you so much for the Mission. I wish we could have it more often."
"The mission has been the greatest spiritual healing for me. The peace I experienced during those days is inexplicable. I keep thinking of all those that attended and remember them daily."
"My friend was to be operated on for an aneurysm, and I rushed a bottler of the holy water to her so she could be blessed by it by her husband before the surgery. Today the doctors are amazed at her survival and recovery."
"My husband and I attended your mission. I want you to know that we were blessed and nothing but good has happened in our life since attending."
"The mission was an extraordinary experience for me. The day before the mission I got blown away with despondency and a sense of loss and hurt. During the three days, I experienced a change not in me only, but in those I work with. I prayed each day for them as well as for myself. The power of prayer is what did it."
"You prayed for my son after Mass and I believe it is through our continuous prayer that he has been healed by God. You have touched my life in a very special way and I thank God for this."
