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| Linda Schoenmann |
In the spring of 2018, I was pretty sure I had breast cancer based on many signs God gave me while going through medical tests. But I also noticed God surrounded me with breast cancer survivors, so I felt I would be OK. I trusted God had a plan to bring good out of this situation.
I offered up my suffering for the conversion of sinners; for our bishop, priests, seminarians, and vocations; and for Valley of Our Lady Monastery, a community of Cistercian nuns who need a new facility. I turned to these beautiful brides of Christ knowing I could count on their pure prayers, which are amplified by the intercession of Our Lady and over 100 saints whose relics are entrusted to them!
Touching relics of St. Peregrine
On May 6, I touched the relics at Valley of Our Lady Monastery, which included St. Peregrine, patron saint of those with cancer. On May 9, I had a biopsy. The technician said I’d have the results in a few days.
I said, “I already know my results.” Surprised, she asked: “You do?” I calmly stated: “I have breast cancer.” She said: “You have to think positive!” I said: “I am positive . . . that God has been telling me I have breast cancer!” The lab results confirmed what I already knew in my heart.
I was blessed that my cancer was non-invasive, stage 0. I didn’t need chemo or radiation. I had no pain from the biopsy or lumpectomy. At my post-op appointment, my surgeon noted I was healing well. I said it was due to the many powerful prayer warriors praying for me! She shared that my cancer was actually removed during the biopsy! I was grateful, but puzzled. I asked the Lord: “What was the purpose of this?”
Soon after, I began helping the Sisters identify and certify their relics in preparation for sharing them with the public. After several months’ work, I said to the Lord: “A lot of people have invested a lot of time in this work. You must have big plans to use these relics for healing!” That’s when I realized that three days after I touched a relic of the patron saint of cancer patients, I was cancer-free!
Intercession of the saints
Strictly speaking, this was not a miracle, which is an instantaneous healing that is not medically explained. A medical procedure removed my cancer, but I consider this healing to be granted by God through the intercession of the saints. The primary purposes of supernatural favors are for the glory of God and the good of men.
God is glorified through His saints whom He gives us for intercession and healing through their relics. I think the saints are a very under-utilized treasure of our Church. When I hear someone needs healing, my first thought is to find the patron saint for that condition and ask for their intercession.
The saints, so intimately united to God, have a closer connection to Him than we do. Some people may receive physical healing, and some may receive spiritual healing, which is the greater gift.
My goals on this journey were to do God’s will, carry my cross well, and let God bring good out of it. Many good things have come into my life since then. But I believe these blessings were meant for others as well, not just me, in order to build up God’s Church.
I hope this story will bring people closer to God, that they know God loves them, and that they trust He has a plan for them. I hope that people will ask for healing from God, if that be His will; and if it is not, that they accept and offer up their suffering for something good. I hope it helps people find light in the dark moments of their faith and our Church.
Valley of Our Lady Monastery
I hope people will support Valley of Our Lady Monastery, through prayer and donations, to build their new monastery. Come visit the relics of the saints at the monastery and see how God and the saints will bless you!
The Cistercian Nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery welcome all who wish to visit the relics of the saints on Sunday, Aug. 11, when their large collection will be available for veneration from 11 a.m. through Evening Prayer at 4:45 p.m. Linda will be available to answer questions. Valley of Our Lady Monastery is located at E11096 Yanke Dr., Prairie du Sac, WI 53578-9737.
Linda Schoenmann is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Dodgeville, Wis.