Pronounced Dead at 16, August 15, She Had Been in an Iron Lung: Miracle of a Woman and the Rosary

One Billion Stories, Seth DeMoor: It was 1949, in Denver Colorado, during the Polio epidemic when Mary Jane was stricken with bulbar polio, at that time a deadly disease. She was placed in a large machine called an “iron lung” that helped her breath and stay alive during her younger years. Despite the doctors best efforts, the iron lung was shut off on August the 15th, and she was pronounced dead.

That morning, Mary Jane’s parents attended Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, during which, they placed a dozen white roses at the altar of the Blessed Mother. Upon returning to the hospital and hearing the news of Mary Jane’s death, Mary’s mother Cleva, replied, “No, she isn’t.” Cleva bent down over Mary Jane, kissed her on the forehead, and said, “Mary, open your pretty blue eyes, I haven’t seen them yet this morning.”

During this time, Mary Jane was encountering our Lord and His Blessed Mother. She humbly offered herself to them and committed to pray the rosary everyday of her life in thanksgiving for the many gifts God had given her. A commitment she has upheld since that very day.

Mary Jane heard the words of her mother Cleva, and opened her eyes. Years later, she met “the most perfect partner”, and together they have cherished the gift of their Catholic faith by praying the rosary together everyday.  Video is here.