After My Open Heart Surgery, I'm Healing Beautifully

Dear Fr. Marco and team,

I wrote to you a few months ago, asking you to carry my prayer for a successful surgery and a peaceful recovery. My heart valve needed to be replaced, and I was very frightened. I sent the prayer for myself, a woman in her late sixties facing her biggest health challenge.

I had the open-heart surgery in April. My family placed the photograph you sent—the one of my card held up in St. Peter's—on my nightstand at home before I went to the hospital. It was a comfort, knowing my request had been carried there. The surgery went very well, the surgeons said everything was textbook. But more than that, the recovery has been a quiet gift. Each day I feel a little stronger. My energy is returning slowly, and the pain is manageable. I have a sense of calm I didn't have before. I don't know how to explain it, but I feel held.

I just wanted to write and tell you that. I'm walking more each day. My check-ups have been good. Thank you for carrying my fear into that holy place and for sending me the picture. It felt like a hand on my shoulder when I needed it most.

Gratefully,