Bridget's Krazy Korner

Baby RoseMary Teresa

2007-12-04T00:39:00.000-05:00

Please continue your prayers for Rose Mary Teresa's family. As you know she passed away Sunday night December 2nd, the First Sunday of Advent.

Here is Rosemary's Uncle's beautiful account of that day:

RoseMary Teresa should not have lived one day according to the experts. And she didn't, she lived 45 days, each day packed with, and powered by love. Love completely surrounded this beautiful baby from the time she was in her mothers womb through her birth and throughout her entire life.

Last summer, when Mary and David received the news of RoseMary Teresa's condition before her birth, they made a conscious choice to love this baby completely regardless of the fact that they knew it very well could break their hearts. But they chose the path of love, regardless.

Mary's mother used to say that joy and sorrow are like two vines growing together. If you want one you have to take both and then completely trust that Our Lord will provide the grace necessary when the time comes.

Mary and David had deliberately chosen to always live each moment with RoseMary Teresa, celebrating and cherishing her. They would not worry. They would trust confidently in God's Mercy and Providence, knowing that he would care for them and whatever needs they might have. There would be no "bad days" for RoseMary Teresa. There would be no days wasted to worrying.

Yesterday, Sunday December 2, began just as everyday had begun for RoseMary Teresa. She was peaceful, surrounded by the love of her mommy, her daddy, her brothers, her grandparents, her aunts, her uncles, her cousins, and all of you, her new spiritual family. Mary and David were continuing to live each moment in gratitude for their most precious RoseMary Teresa.

At around 5 o'clock, they noticed that something had changed with RoseMary Teresa. It was a slight change, but when you love someone as intensely as they do RoseMary, you notice these things. They called RoseMary's doctor. He came to the house as he has done so many times before, an act of kindness and generosity which helped to make their lives just a little easier. He arrived around 6:30pm. He examined her, listened to her heart and confirmed that her heart was indeed failing.

It was her fetal valve. It was closing. It had persistently stayed open despite what the experts said should have happened. The doctors thought RoseMary Teresa should have died in the first day. The fetal valve was still open, though, and was providing the extra assistance to her heart, which was keeping her alive. It should have closed sooner. In most cases, within 3 - 5 days. Maybe in a very few cases, it may stay open for two weeks, tops.

Our Lord, in His supreme generosity had given RoseMary Teresa to us for 45 days, and was now, in his infinite mercy, love and wisdom, bringing her back to Himself.

The Family gathered. For the next 4 1/2 hours they prayed, they sang, they spoke to RoseMary and each other. Mary wanted to sing "Now Thank We All Our God" as she and David had done every morning of RoseMary's short life. But she couldn't find her voice. Their family doctor started singing in his rich deep baritone, the family soon joined.

David held RoseMary. Mary was right next to him caressing her. Both providing comfort and protection, helping her to be still and peaceful. Mary rubbed her head and face. RoseMary always loved when her mommy would do this, showing small almost imperceptible signs of her pleasure whenever her mother touched her. The boys were there, her big brothers, praying softly for their only sister. Her Aunt, and uncles were there. Many of her cousins were there in that family room. RoseMary's doctor was there. All praying.

Mother Teresa was there with The Blessed Mother, invisible, embracing their RoseMary Teresa.

Our Lord was there. As Mary said, He was flooding the room with His Peace. The peace and love from all of your many many prayers and sacrifices.

Throughout this whole time RoseMary Teresa was peaceful. There would be short little struggles, then peace.

It was sometime between the 5th Joyful Mystery, the finding of our Lord in The Temple, and the Salve Regina that our beautiful, perfect, RoseMary Teresa was gently cradled by Our Blessed Mother and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and taken from our presence and into the Full Presence of Our Lord.

David had been holding his finger softly over RoseMary's heart and he felt it slowly flutter and fade. He called the doctor who had been quietly praying with the family this whole time. The doctor confirmed that RoseMary Teresa's spirit was gone from her body. RoseMary Teresa moved from the embrace of her earthly father and went into the embrace of her Heavenly Father.

David gave RoseMary's body to Mary who softly cradled her child, weeping quietly and giving her precious daughter back to The Lord, saying "Oh RoseMary, I love you so much. I love you. Thank you God. Thank You for this gift. I take what you give and I give what you take."

There was such a sound in her voice. In her voice was tremendous sorrow, joy, gratitude, and trust in God. If you heard it, you would never forget it. I will never forget it.

After the Rosary, there was weeping. There was also rejoicing, for our RoseMary Teresa who was now enjoying the perfect happiness of heaven. On this the first Sunday of Advent, Christmas had come early to RoseMary Teresa. Everyone sang, they sang "Hail Holy Queen" and other songs to Our Blessed Mother. They sang "Father I Adore You, lay my life down before you, how I love you" and the verses that follow.

Father Peter gave David a place in scripture to read. Psalm 23 The Lord is My Shepherd...

The Psalm says, "Goodness and Kindness will surround me all the days of my life." RoseMary's life literally was only "days" and throughout her entire life she was surrounded only by goodness and kindness. So much love.

After David finished reading, RoseMary Teresa's 4 1/2 year old brother Francis, looked up and asked, "Is that book about RoseMary?" Father Peter said "yes, it's also about you and all of us"

Everyone then had a chance to hold RoseMary Teresa. She was so beautiful. So perfect. Each of her brothers and family members held the body of their now departed sister, each saying their quiet "I love you's".

Mary and David were reflecting today on the life of their little girl. They have no regrets. It was a perfect life filled with love. Every moment was lived to the fullest. As Mary said "When you become a parent, you don't just bring a child into time, you bring them into eternity." On Sunday night at 11:05, RoseMary Teresa entered into Eternity.

As Mary and David heal from the suffering from loss of their daughter, they are also joyful. Mary says, "they are just so happy for RoseMary".

There is no way to thank all of you for giving so much. All of your prayers, all of your sacrifices. As the Missionaries of Charity wrote several weeks ago, "God's ways are not our ways, they are infinitely better."

Today, The Missionaries of Charity wrote to Mary and David,

"In the midst of the sorrow of no longer having RoseMary Teresa to hold and care for, you have the immense consolation of knowing with absolute certainty that she is in Heaven. And so the Vicinanzo family can humbly boast of its first saint. She is surely smiling upon all of you and sending blessings your way from the arms of our Heavenly Father (and after Jesus and Our Lady, I bet Mother Teresa is first in line in the heavenly court waiting to hold her!)

RoseMary Teresa will live on in all of our hearts and we shall always be grateful for the way she has enriched all of our lives."

Please keep praying for RoseMary Teresa's family. And remember, RoseMary Teresa is now in heaven, pray to her for your needs.

Thank you all for your many prayers. Each of you are now and forever in the prayers of our entire family.

God Bless You.

P. S. RoseMary Teresa's funeral will be held this Wednesday. I will send the details in a second email. Mary and David would like you all to know that you are all, each of you, most welcome to attend.

2nd Email:

Mary and David would like you all to know that you are all most welcome to attend RoseMary Teresa's Funeral Mass.

They are so grateful for all of your prayers and ask that you continue to pray for them and their family.

The Mass will be held this Wednesday, December 5 at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Concord NH. Again, you are all welcome to attend. The Address is as Follows,

Sacred Heart
52 Pleasant St
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 225-6942

God Bless.

Baby RoseMary

2007-12-03T00:34:00.000-05:00

Well, our little angel has been taken home. Please pray for her family. Here is Joe's Sunday update:

Tonight at around 11pm, held by her Daddy and Mommy and surrounded by her brothers, aunt, uncles, and cousins as they prayed the Rosary, RoseMary Teresa was gently taken by Our Blessed Mother and Mother Teresa into the waiting arms of Our Lord.

Please keep praying for RoseMary Teresa's family.

The Lord Gives and the Lord takes away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR BABY ROSEMARY

2007-11-26T22:17:00.000-05:00

Here she is from today, the 26th! Let's keep up the prayers! Indeed, God is very good! Here's her Uncle Joe's Update for November 26, 2007:

There is so much to be thankful for as RoseMary Teresa continues to enjoy each day. Today was her 38th day of life and she continues to be happy and peaceful.

We are amazed, awed and humbled not only by the fact of RoseMary Teresa's life, but by how many other lives she has touched. Her simple, beautiful, yet precarious existence serves as a reminder that each day really is a gift, with each moment to be savored and appreciated. God is good.

RoseMary Teresa is eating and sleeping well. On Friday, when the nurse came, she weighed 6 lbs 8 1/2 oz and continues to gain weight nicely. Her color is good, she is breathing well and is very peaceful. RoseMary Teresa is awake longer now. She has two periods a day when she awake with her eyes wide open for a good hour at a time. Mary will move her face close to RoseMary and RoseMary Teresa, with eyes opened wide, will just stare into her mommy's eyes.

RoseMary and her family had a great Thanksgiving. All nine of her brothers along with her mommy and daddy were home with RoseMary Teresa for Thanksgiving. When you live each day in gratitude for every moment of life, Thanksgiving takes on an even more special meaning. To highlight the day, RoseMary Teresa celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the first time at her parish church.

RoseMary's brother Tom had to go back to college after Thanksgiving to finish the semester but her oldest brother Joe got to stay home as his semester abroad ended with the Thanksgiving holiday. Having Joe home adds just a little extra something. For mom, dad and RoseMary, its just nice to have the oldest back home for a while. Its nice for the other boys as well, not just because they love their brother but also because, since he is unencumbered by any scholastic responsibility, he can focus on covering his share of the household chores.

One small chore, which no one really considers a chore, is to stand guard duty over RoseMary to protect her from her youngest brother Jack's excessive and potentially smothering attentions while Mary takes care of a small household duty. The irony is that each time Mary puts the call out for guard duty, it is always Jack who is the first responder. He'll drop everything, race to his mother and declare, "I gawd RoseMawie". This results most times in RoseMary's honor guard consisting of two "protectors" just in case one may be needed to protect her from her protector.

Mary was saying it is so much easier to trust confidently in God's goodness rather than to worry and be anxious. But this does require a lot of discipline. It is your prayers which help so much. Mary and David and the entire family are so grateful for your prayers. They continue to live, confident in God's mercy and grateful for each day. It is your prayers that continue to sustain RoseMary Teresa. Please continue to keep Mother Teresa hard at work interceding on RoseMary Teresa's behalf. Thank you for your faithful persistence.

God Bless.

PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR ROSEMARY!!!!

2007-11-19T18:14:00.000-05:00

Thank you for your continuing prayers for this cutie! Please spread the word and ask as many people as you can to pray for Baby RoseMary! Especially seek the intercession of Mother Teresa. Here's the Sunday Update from RoseMary's Uncle:

RoseMary Teresa had a very big weekend. On Friday she celebrated her fourth week of life.

The celebrations kicked off with the arrival, on Friday, of Mary's sisters Charlotte, Patricia and Elizabeth who traveled from New York and Pittsburgh respectively. What with three new aunt's in addition to Mary, Meg, and Meg's sister in law Jane, RoseMary Teresa received the most concentrated feminine attention than she has in perhaps her entire life. For the first time in a long time, RoseMary's brothers and boy cousins, normally the dominating force on the compound, were softly pushed into the background as her aunts doted on and pampered her for a solid two days.

The Hollywood paparazzi have nothing on the number of pictures and video RoseMary Teresa's aunts expended in capturing RoseMary Teresa's beauty on film this weekend. Of course RoseMary Teresa graciously complied with all of her aunt's photographic requests. Not surprisingly, every picture came out perfectly.

For two solid day's, RoseMary basked in the loving company of her adoring Aunts, as she enjoyed hearing the latest news, old family stories, and of course a tremendous amount of laughter.

Throughout it all, she slept peacefully, ate, looked about, slept some more, and pleased her aunts to no end with her singular facial expressions. It is reported that RoseMary even cried briefly. This is very unusual for RoseMary Teresa who really has not cried during her entire short life. Her aunts were very pleased to witness this spectacular event. We think that it was in fact RoseMary's way to set their minds at ease in the knowledge that she is aware of the tools available to her in dealing with her brothers if they should at anytime become unruly.

The weekend ended with the arrival of David's brother Phil and his wife Lisa on Sunday. RoseMary Teresa was visibly pleased to be able to meet and be held and loved by her uncle and aunt as well as to be introduced to her cousins Anthony (6) Adrianna (5) and Allisondra (1).

It was a great weekend as RoseMary Teresa soaked up the love of her mommy, daddy, aunts, uncles, cousins, and all of you, her extended family. That's what she does, she thrives on love. It defines her life. It is in fact what keeps her alive. Don't doubt it for a minute, RoseMary Teresa lives on all of your loving prayers and sacrifices. There is something about this simple, beautiful baby that attracts so many to her in love and then causes them to love others even more.

Yet she is just a baby, a beautiful, peaceful, perfect baby. Perhaps it's like Mother Teresa used to say, "God uses nothingness to show His greatness".

Thank you all for your continued prayers. They are powerful and they are working. One of Mother Teresa's favorite prayers was the Memorarae. She used to suggest that people say the Memorarae or even a novena of nine Memorarae to ask Our Blessed Mother to petition Our Lord on their behalf. In storming heaven, this is very effective artillery.

Please continue to persevere in prayer and to keep Mother Teresa hard at work, interceding on RoseMary Teresa's behalf.

God Bless

PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR BABY ROSEMARY!

2007-11-15T04:42:00.000-05:00

Here she is from Wednesday the 14th. She's almost a month old now! There's no doubt that all of your prayers are being heard! Please keep it up! Here is RoseMary's Uncle Joe's Wednesday Update:

RoseMary Teresa enjoyed another perfect day today. In fact it was the 27th perfect day of her life. When you live each moment peacefully, surrounded by the joyful gratitude and love of your family, both physical and spiritual, how could each day not be perfect?

The nurse came again today. RoseMary continues to gain weight and grow. She now tips the scales at a perfectly proportionate 6 lbs 2 oz. In fact, this morning, Mary was trying to put her into the same outfit she came home from the hospital in but she realized it's just a bit too small. RoseMary will now be able to model all of her newborn size clothes. Finally, the day her fashion conscious aunts have been waiting for.

RoseMary is still eating well, about 2 - 2 1/2 oz every 3 hours. She is definitely tracking movement with her eyes, not just following voices. This is something Mary has noticed for a few days now and the nurse confirmed from her professional perspective. Her heart beat continues steadily despite the continued reality of her condition.

Mary is feeling much better, but don't tell the boys. They have been running the house so efficiently, we wouldn't want to ruin a good thing. 13 year old Nicky continues to earn the honor of "Top Chef". As his skill has become more refined, his menu has expanded from simple offerings such as spaghetti and hamburgers to include more exotic dishes like fettuccini alfredo. Older brother Matt has taken over the grocery shopping responsibilities, preferring to shop during the less crowded late night hours when most other homemakers would just be settling in for their night's rest. Nicky will often accompany him on these late night grocery runs to make sure that his kitchen remains appropriately stocked.

Throughout all of the normal routines of daily life, RoseMary remains a peaceful centerpiece. Her 4 year old brother Francis told Mary how he loves to watch her change RoseMary because he "just loves to see her cute little legs and all of her little toes". Yesterday, he was coloring nearby RoseMary. As he colored he kept looking over at RoseMary Teresa. After a few minutes he dropped the coloring book and crayons on the floor, threw up his hands and exclaimed "I just can't stand it anymore!" At that he rushed over to RoseMary Teresa and proceeded to shower her with affection, cooing and telling her how absolutely beautiful she was.

A familiar scene for RoseMary Teresa, played out on many occasions, by many different people.

RoseMary Teresa's life is a miracle unfolding before us day by day. It's a miracle that she is alive, it's a miracle that she is not hooked up to any machines with tubes running in and out of her. The reality is, you are her life support system, your prayers and your love. There is no way to express the gratitude that RoseMary Teresa's family feels toward all of you who have continued to pray so fervently and diligently. Thank you.

Please continue.

God Bless

Three Weeks Old!!! Please Keep Praying!!

2007-11-10T02:55:00.000-05:00

Baby RoseMary Teresa and Big Brother Benny!

I just love this little girl! Thank you again for your constant prayers for little Baby RoseMary! Please keep it up!! Here is Joe's Friday Update:

Today was RoseMary Teresa's 21st birthday! At 8:01 am this morning, RoseMary Teresa quietly celebrated her 21st day of life.

RoseMary Teresa and her family are all doing well. They continue to live each moment, loving RoseMary as much as they possibly can. Today, RoseMary received a package of cards from a group of children. It was a great 21st day birthday surprise and Mary and David enjoyed reading of all of the love and prayers sent from so many children, knowing that this was just a sampling of how many are praying for their baby.

RoseMary Teresa went to the doctor again yesterday. She has gained over 7 oz since her last visit, an ounce a day. She has been eating very well and she now weighs in at a monstrous 5 lbs 11oz!

Mary kept a close eye on clock to make sure the doctor didn't exceed his allotted "holding time" as happened at the last visit (who could blame him for trying though, RoseMary can be very addictive and she is difficult to give up).

In fact RoseMary Teresa's daddy is now being described by his boys as a RoseMary junky. When he gets home from work, he goes straight to her and holds her straight through the evening. Initially the plan was for him and the boys to take care of RoseMary from 7 - 11pm and force Mary get some solid sleep. There have been rumblings from the boys that David will never give up RoseMary when they ask to hold her, though. He usually resorts to some kind of distraction technique until the petitioner gives up. In fact, he is supposed to wake Mary at 11pm but will often extend his shift till 12am just to hold RoseMary longer. Mary has had to call him on this a few times. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this kind of addiction to RoseMary Teresa.

Yesterday, 2 year old Jack was blowing air kisses at his new baby sister. There was a holy card of Mother Teresa nearby which he recognized. Mary nodded and encouraged him to ask Mother Teresa to heal RoseMary. Jack picked up the picture, put it close to his face so that his eyes and Mother Teresa's eyes were almost touching and said "Heal RoseMary". A simple prayer.

It's amazing to think of how God has blessed RoseMary Teresa, Mary, David, the boys and all of us so much.

Remember three weeks ago? The initial reports of RoseMary Teresa's birth, she was alive but her heart was very weak, 60 beats per minute, she didn't look well, things were not good.

The call to prayer. The storming of heaven.

Slowly RoseMary Teresa's heart began to beat stronger, 90 beats per minute.

More prayer, more storming heaven.

Later in the day 110 beats per minute, she started to look more pink.

More prayer. By this time the siege of heaven was in full force, it was deafening.

RoseMary's heart was beating at 115 beats per minute. She was resting peacefully.

The next morning, RoseMary Teresa's peaceful rest contrasting with the doctor's explanation that it was astounding to them that RoseMary Teresa had lived through the previous day and that night.

Their explanation that it must have been a fetal valve that was giving her extra assistance. That would close, though, in the next few days. The soft shrug of their shoulders to express the hopelessness of the situation. RoseMary Teresa's heart sounding like a "symphony of murmurs".

More prayers. More heavenward bombardments.

The days that would follow.

RoseMary resting peacefully as heaven was bombarded with your constant prayer. Prayer from all of you, your husbands and wives, your children, your relatives, your friends, your acquaintances and business associates. Strangers united in prayer for this most beautiful little baby. And that has been what has sustained RoseMary Teresa, held in the palm of God's hand, with the Blessed Mother and Mother Teresa lobbying fervently at your request on her behalf.

And RoseMary Teresa continues to rest peacefully. Her medical condition has not changed. Her situation is still extremely serious. She is still a beautiful trisomy 18 baby. Medically speaking, there is nothing that can be done, she should not have lived and could die at any moment. Her heart still sounds like a "symphony of murmurs".

Yet there she is, peaceful, beautiful. There is absolutely no question that it is all of your prayers that have sustained her. Your storming of heaven with your prayers is like a fourth of July celebration to Mother Teresa. She loves it and can do a lot with it. Please continue to pray, ask others to pray. Continue to petition our Lord through the intercession of Mother Teresa. Constantly. Mother Teresa loved to work, and she worked hard. Give her this challenge, she's up to it.

Mary and David, their family and our entire family continue to be so grateful for all of your prayers. Thank you.

Mary says very specific prayers each day for all of you who have been praying for RoseMary Teresa. She will continue this always.

Thank you for your prayers.

God Bless

PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR BABY ROSEMARY!

2007-11-08T03:27:00.000-05:00

Here is baby RoseMary Teresa from Wednesday. We must persevere in prayer and not become complacent. It is surely because of all of your contributions of prayer for this little precious life that she has defied all medical predictions! She's amazing! Keep her in your prayers! Here is her Uncle Joe's Wednesday update:

RoseMary Teresa enjoyed her 20th day of life today.

It seems in some ways, as RoseMary Teresa approaches her three week Birthday, she has changed. She seems just a bit bigger. She moves her arms and head more. When you hold her she goes in and out of sleep a bit more, fluttering her eyes and trying to focus on the loved one holding her.

But in so many other ways RoseMary Teresa has not changed at all. She is still the most adorable little baby in the whole wide world. Even the slightest movement or eye flutter continues to cause pulsations of joy in whoever is fortunate enough to be holding her. She continues to be a source of joy for all of her family and all who are now a permanent part of her life through their many prayers and sacrifices.

Each moment of her life continues to be received as an infinite blessing.

In an attempt to posses rare things of beauty, billions of dollars are spent on artwork each year. Yet when you hold this one small precious child, even for a moment, you realize that there isn't enough money in the world to pay for something so perfect, so beautiful. And so Mary and David continue to live each moment, peaceful, grateful and joyful that God has chosen to bless them.

David has been back to work and the boys are back, trudging their way through school. They are checking in as often as their schedules permit. The little ones especially offer their colorful contributions to RoseMary's life as they play around her as she rests happily with her mommy or Aunt Meg or other visitor.

It is important that you all realize what a significant role your prayers are playing in RoseMary Teresa's life. It is your prayers, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother and Mother Teresa of Calcutta that continue to sustain RoseMary Teresa and her family. Thank you.

I think that Mother Teresa takes particular pleasure in working on behalf of RoseMary Teresa. In learning more about Mother Teresa's life, it seemed she especially liked to help people who were absolutely helpless themselves and had no means or ability of even beginning to repay her generosity. That's why she always talked about helping the "poorest of the poor". Well, no one is more helpless, and no situation is more medically "hopeless" than our precious little RoseMary Teresa's. Thank you for your perseverance in your prayers for RoseMary Teresa and your continued storming of heaven on her behalf.

God Bless

2 WEEKS OLD! PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!!

2007-11-03T01:08:00.000-05:00

Isn't she sweet? Please keep praying for this precious little one. She is 2 weeks old now! Please keep up the prayers for her! Something amazing is happening here! We must persist in prayer, especially to Mother Teresa! Here is Joe's Friday update:

RoseMary Teresa celebrated her 14 day Birthday early this morning and spent the rest of the day peacefully enjoying her 15th day of life.

Mary traveled downstairs today with RoseMary, and Mother and daughter staked out their territory in the sunroom. It was a beautiful sunny fall day and the sunroom was the perfect place to enjoy all of God's awesome gifts, with his greatest, a new life, at the center of it all.

It's also a much more convenient spot for RoseMary's brothers to check up on their little princess more frequently. They make regular pop-ins during their cycles of play.

All that time Mary and David put in training the boys is paying off. The house is running very smoothly with everyone pitching in and helping. An inside source informs us that RoseMary Teresa's 13 year old brother Nicky has been appointed honorary chef of the household. He has been cooking most of the evening meals. He has very discriminating critics in his brothers, and the fact that he maintains the head chef position is an indication of his talent.

RoseMary remains a peaceful little bundle of joy. Mary says that she has her awake time more at night these days. This is just fine with Mary and David who will find no fault with their angel.

RoseMary Teresa's cousin Elizabeth has not been able to get too close to RoseMary lately as she has had a cold. This has been very difficult for Elizabeth who takes particular pleasure in delivering thousands of kisses to her cousin. This morning when she woke she cheerfully demonstrated the fact that she couldn't cough and happily told her mother "I can kiss RoseMary today!"

So many people have written to say how they are praying for RoseMary everyday. RoseMary's family is so grateful. RoseMary Teresa is loved by so many all over the world. So many have expressed how RoseMary has become such a big part of their daily prayer routine and their lives.

One of RoseMary Teresa's uncles wrote to the family about a recent visit. I asked if I could share it with everyone. These are his words below.

"I wanted to see our newest niece as I am sure you all do also. I am fortunate to live fairly close to Mary and David.....

....Our Sunday began at 5:00 am as we got up and out of the house by 5:30. The day was absolutely perfect, sunny crisp and a gift from heaven with no traffic or speed traps. Laurie and I shared wonderful conversation and peace as we talked about the new baby and many things related to her, health, prayer, family, love, death, good, evil.We arrived at the New Hampshire compound at about 11:30. Both Meg and Mary's families greeted us warmly and their smiles were contagious .Obviously we had arrived at a place of joy.
This is where our story really begins. The sense of joy and peace at those homes during this difficult time is genuine sincere and very pervasive. Mary and David have put the world and time on hold as they care for a tiny precious life. Meg and David take care of "things" as the world around Rosemary turns without touching her. We have a tiny, precious piece of God's love here on earth. Our family is witnessing a very great miracle in our midst, and it is the miracle of LIFE. Mom and Dad have always shown us that God's gift of life is the first and most wonderful gift we can get. Our world is full of sin, hate and a culture of death. This small child is life, a life that should not have been but here she is. Mary has stopped the dizzy pace of her life to share in God's peace with her baby Rosemary. I know that I have been given a great gift just to be close to them for one short afternoon. The prayers for Rosemary have worked and continue to work. I am lucky enough to have touched that joy and peace for an afternoon. ...
...it heals your soul as you see God at work in this world.
One last note about this tiny baby. She is really very cute as she sleeps and then quietly wakes up sees her latest visitors and gently goes back to sleep. She is the perfect child, no crying no screaming just love joy and peace. Keep up the prayers for Rosemary and her family ,they are going through a great deal but the grace of our God is with them. "
Once again- Thank you all so much for your continued prayers.
God Bless

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T02:59:00.001-05:00

Please keep praying for baby Rose Mary and their family! Here's an update from her Uncle Joe:

RoseMary Teresa delivered only treats, no tricks today. This day she celebrated her 13th day of life (a very important number).

Another big day, the nurse came today to check up on RoseMary. There isn't much that the nurse can really do when she comes other than to admire our beautiful RoseMary, but one important thing she did do was to weigh RoseMary Teresa. All that eating has finally paid off. She weighs a whopping 5 lbs 3 1/2 oz!

RoseMary is awake a lot more these days. She keeps her beautiful eyes open longer and Mary definitely notices that her eyes move towards her voice when she speaks.

From the outside looking in, it would appear that RoseMary Teresa and her family have begun to develop more of a daily routine. From the first morning rituals to the cycles of feedings and changing's, the patterns of the school day and the work day. But in reality, there is nothing routine about their day anymore. Each moment is treasured in a way they never could have imagined just a few weeks ago. Mary and David and the family are so grateful for the blessing of RoseMary Teresa.

Mary describes her attitude as the same as it was the very first hour of RoseMary Teresa's life, 13 days ago. She is peaceful, grateful, and joyful. Happy to live each moment with RoseMary Teresa as a blessing.

This is not at all to say that there is not a tremendous amount of hope and confidence in Our Lord. One gospel passage that remains prominent in prayer is "Lord I am not worthy to receive you into my home, but only say the word and my servant shall be healed. "

There is a tremendous amount of gratitude for the many blessings received but we continue to have very high expectations from Mother Teresa. Thank you all for your continued persistent prayers.

P.S. Please don't be alarmed if you don't receive daily updates. We will continue to send out emails every 2-3 days. I know this is difficult as many of us have become completely hooked on our beautiful RoseMary Teresa. Hopefully the pictures of her will be enough to carry us through the days of no updates. Please keep up the prayers, even stronger than ever, and reminding others to pray as well.

KEEP PRAYING FOR ROSE MARY TERESA!!!!

2007-10-29T01:26:00.000-05:00

Keep praying! Here's the Sunday night update from Uncle Joe:

Today was RoseMary Teresa's 10th day of life.

She had a busy weekend with several new visitors. Her Aunt Jeanne came up with Aunt Marie and 5 of RoseMary's cousins to let RoseMary Teresa now how loved she is in New York.

Then, earlier today RoseMary's Uncle David and Aunt Laurie came for a visit. They had a great time and got to hold RoseMary Teresa for some time so they could let her know how much her cousins in New Jersey love her.

With all of the heart trouble that RoseMary has, the idea is to try not to overwhelm her too much by introducing her to her 9 brothers, grandparents, 34 aunts and uncles and 85 cousins all at once. Not to mention her now extended family of all of you. Even Mother Teresa may have trouble pulling her heart out of that one!

In fact, it is the love and prayers of all of you that keep RoseMary Teresa's heart pumping when medically it should not be. You are her heart.

It's incredible how each visitor seems to fall madly in love with little RoseMary, she has that effect on people.

RoseMary continues to eat well and rest peacefully. As is normal with other babies, she is becoming a little more aware of her surroundings. She stays awake just a tiny bit longer each day and definitely responds to the loving voices around her.

Mary is a little concerned that RoseMary Teresa's daddy and big brothers are spoiling her a bit, though. Last night RoseMary Teresa got to stay up well past midnight to see the end of the Red Sox game. This is a treat unheard of for someone so young in their family. All the other children in the family had to wait until they were at least 6 months old before receiving such a privilege.

RoseMary Teresa's entire family is so grateful for everyone's prayers. So many people are continuing to pray, and to ask others to pray, through the intercession of Mother Teresa, that Our Lord will continue to bless little RoseMary Teresa with the gift of life. Thank you.

God Bless.

Saturday Night Update. Keep Praying!!!!

2007-10-27T20:17:00.001-05:00

From Rose Mary's uncle Joe:

RoseMary Teresa is celebrating her 9th day of life today.

RoseMary Teresa's mommy and daddy are very pleased with their little girl. She is dutifully trying to gain weight so she won't have to have any yucky feeding tubes. Mary said that she is eating very well, almost 2 oz every three hours. This is twice as much as when she first came home. She really is a good girl.

David and the boys take her at around 9pm to give Mary a break so she can get some unbroken rest.

This time slot has recently coincided with the world series. Her brothers are avid Red Sox fans and have begun to initiate their innocent little sister into their fanatic club. Of course most fans had to wait almost 90 years to see the Red Sox in a world series, RoseMary Teresa only had to wait 9 days.

Medically, when the doctor's listen to RoseMary Teresa's heart, it still sounds like a "symphony of murmurs". They shrug their shoulders, but you keep praying and RoseMary Teresa continues to live. Thank you.

RoseMary Teresa just takes each day as a blessing, peacefully enjoying the love that constantly surrounds her. From her mommy. From her daddy. From all her big brothers. From her grandparents. From all her aunts and all her uncles. From her cousins. And from all of you. From all walks of life. From young people. From not so young people. From convents and monasteries. From parishes. From schools. From orphanages. From all over the world.

Thank you all for your prayers for RoseMary. There is no question that it is through your intercessory prayers and sacrifices that RoseMary Teresa is alive. You are so generous.

One sister from a Carmelite monastery writes,

"RoseMary Teresa belongs to the world, she is everyone's sweetheart".

God Bless.

For Those of you new to the Prayer-a-thon

2007-10-27T14:40:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note, the prayer request is for baby RoseMary Teresa. She is the first daughter to David and Mary Vicenanzo. I know of them through my Dad who is friends with Mary's brother Joe. All the updates I post are from RoseMary's uncle Joe. I'm just the messenger! RoseMary is #10, the rest are all boys! She has been fighting since her birth on Friday, October 19th. She has trisomy, and wasn't expected to live many hours after birth. She needs constant prayers! She's a precious tiny baby!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying and passing along the prayer request! The Vicenanzo family deeply appreciates all you have been doing! Please, please keep praying and asking others to pray!

~Bridget (The Blog Master of the Krazy Korner)

KEEP PRAYING FOR BABY ROSE MARY!

2007-10-26T22:29:00.000-05:00

Here is today's picture, and Joe's Friday night update:

NEWSFLASH.....Heaven continues to be under siege. It is reported that a barrage of prayers has been unrelenting for at least eight days now with no let up in sight. It appears these barrages are targeting major grace receptacles, causing massive explosions of grace. It is widely reported that Mother Teresa is playing a key role as the petitioners "inside man". When asked to comment, she smiles humbly, shrugs her shoulders and says "what can I do, they just want to do something beautiful for God". In fact, inside sources tell us that there is a high likelihood that Our Lord's own Blessed Mother and Mother Teresa are secretly helping the petitioners behind the scenes.
And the graces continue to pour down........Developing.

Our little hero, RoseMary Teresa, continues to enjoy the peace and joy of every moment of her life. The first thing in the morning, she and her mommy give thanks for the new day of life. They sing together, "Now Thank We All Our God" knowing that each day is a fantastic blessing from Him.

Mary is constantly praying. Mary has a picture frame with one side showing a picture of RoseMary's oldest brother holding her and the other side showing a picture of Mother Teresa holding an infant. It is a beautiful reminder to Mary that Mother Teresa is holding her RoseMary Teresa in a very special way.

RoseMary is still healthy looking. Her breathing is normal and her heart rate stays between 120 and 130. She left the hospital weighing 4 lbs 14 oz and after a solid week of mommy and daddy's home cook'in, now weighs in at a solid 4lbs 15 oz. Her color looks better, she no longer has any yellow in her face. She is a beautiful pink baby. Now when we say that she is pink, it's important not to forget that given her MOST serious heart condition, she should be blue. Thank you for your prayers.

Mommy is doing much better as well. David was getting worried that she wasn't getting enough sleep. They have a routine now where David and the boys take over RoseMary's care at 9pm. They feed her and hold her so Mary can get a few unbroken hours of sleep. At 12am Mary takes over and feeds RoseMary then sets the alarm for 3hours and rests with her little baby girl.

Mary and David are so grateful for all of your prayers. They are coming from every corner of the world. So many people are praying throughout the entire day. Many of them are children.

The Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa's order, wrote to Mary again today. They say that they too continue to pray for RoseMary Teresa. That "they are not giving Mother Teresa any rest" and that "they think she likes that".

They write that their children at Shishu Bhavan prayed for RoseMary Teresa at Mass. One child asked if one of them could come to Mother Teresa's tomb everyday to pray for RoseMary Teresa.

The day before yesterday, a good friend of Mother Teresa's, a blind man, prayed for RoseMary Teresa. He sang two songs at Mother's tomb asking God to give RoseMary "new life".

It is truly stunning and humbling to witness God's grace at work in so many ways. Thank you again and again for all of your many prayers and sacrifices throughout the day. And please be certain to know and to let your children, who are praying so devotedly, know that RoseMary Teresa gives them a big "RoseMary Teresa kiss and thank you".

Thank you so much for your continued prayers.

God Bless.

KEEP PRAYING!!!!!!!

2007-10-25T22:06:00.000-05:00

Day 7 in this little life, and she's hanging in there! Keep up the good prayers and keep spreading the word to keep praying! Here's Joe's Thursday update:

RoseMary Teresa had another great day! You see, for RoseMary Teresa, every day is a great day. That's how she lives.

She continues to be peaceful. She is definitely awake more these days. This is normal for a young lady of her maturity. She continues to expand her horizons.

Today she made a trip to the doctors office for a check-up. Big news, She gained a whole ounce! You see, your prayers are working.

The doctor didn't have a whole lot of doctoring to do, but this didn't stop him from looking busy just so he could keep holding RoseMary Teresa for as long as possible. After a very generous period of time, Mary caught on to his little scheme and took possession her precious jewel once again.

RoseMary Teresa received a visit from her Bishop today. The Bishop stopped by to give his blessing to RoseMary Teresa, Mary, David, and their family.

Mary has not spoken on the phone since RoseMary was born last week. She just wants to stay focused on being the best Mommy she can, each moment. Earlier when the bishop called to ask if he could stop by, someone asked if Mary wanted to talk to the Bishop, she said "No, I'm not taking any phone calls unless its from Mother Teresa."

Just keep the phone lines open. Knowing Mother Teresa, she'll find a way.

Soon after she returned home from the doctor's, RoseMary Teresa was visited by her Grandma Anne and her Aunt Rosemary. Aunt Rosemary made a point to remind everyone to continue to "storm heaven" with their prayers.

And there is such a barrage of prayers storming heaven constantly. So many people are praying and offering little and big sacrifices throughout the day. Our Lord must be very very happy with this gift that Mother Teresa is so proudly offering him on your behalf. Thank you so very much.

God Bless.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ROSE MARY TERESA!

2007-10-24T20:03:00.000-05:00

She's so tiny and cute! Keep praying, please! Here's Joe's latest from tonight:

RoseMary Teresa continued to bask in the love of her mommy, daddy, brothers, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and her many many many friends around the world.

RoseMary continues to rest peacefully. The nurse tested her bileruben today. She was just a little jaundiuced in her face but her score came back well within a good range. She's a good test taker!

She is eating well but she wasn't weighed today so we aren't sure if she gained weight. She needs to.

She is awake a little more these days. Her mommy could use a little more rest though. David was getting a little worried Mary wasn't getting enough rest. Meg took the little boys over to her house to guarantee unbroken silence. It helped. Mommy was able to rest quietly with RoseMary and regain some of her much needed strength.

Meg commented about how she looks forward to visiting RoseMary and when she is there, the time flies and she doesn't want to leave. This is true for everyone who visits.

Basically RoseMary looks just like any preemie baby if you just didn't know the severity of her condition. Because you do, you treasure her life even more. Then you learn from RoseMary that we should be treasuring life like this all the time.

This little life that beat the odds in surviving birth and according to the medical experts should not even have lived a single days length, is peacefully enjoying her 6th day of life. There is NO question that this is through all of your many prayers and sacrifices. It is overwhelming how many people are praying for RoseMary Teresa. Remember to keep Blessed Mother Teresa on the job. It is through her intercession that RoseMary is still alive. She was so persistent and faithful in her prayers. She must be very happy to see so many people giving so much. Thank you for your persistent prayers.

God Bless.

Quick Response for 2 Comments

2007-10-24T00:40:00.000-05:00

Hi, anonymous. Who are you? Just curious! Anyway, I know of them through Joe, Mary's brother who knows my Dad. Joe has been sending me updates and I am determined to get as many people to pray for this precious little girl as possible!

And, Hi to IC! I don't think I know you either! But, absolutely, please feel free to link up, Baby Rose Mary needs all the prayers we can get for her!

Tell me about yourselves, Anonymous, and IC! Thanks for praying! Let's keep it up!

KEEP PRAYING FOR ROSE MARY TERESA!

2007-10-23T22:08:00.000-05:00

Here she is, Day 5 of her life! It's so amazing that she has come along this far! Prayer is truly incredible! Let's please keep it up! God is hearing our prayers and certainly Mother Teresa is a tremendous help! Here is her uncle's update for tonight:

Today was one of the biggest days of RoseMary Teresa's whole life! On this fifth day of her life, RoseMary Teresa received Our Lord in the sacrament of the Eucharist and received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Father Peter received special permission from the Bishop and administered the sacraments to RoseMary Teresa during mass this afternoon. When deciding who should be RoseMary's confirmation sponsor, her big brother Mathew reminded everyone of Father Peter's homily in which he pointed out that "we should always give God our best". In this light Matt suggested that Aunt Meg would be the best choice for sponsor.

During the mass for her first holy communion Rosemary Teresa brought all of your prayers and intentions to our lord. All of your intentions both specific and general were placed on a small piece of paper which Rosemary had tucked into her blanket just above the relic of Mother Teresa's hair which RoseMary has had resting over her heart since her birth. When Father Peter placed the Precious Blood on RoseMary Teresa's tongue, she woke up suddenly with a start, shivered and made a beautiful little pucker face.

It is really fantastic for her to be home. Her brothers and cousins are able stop by throughout the course of the day to deliver kisses and expressions of love. Mary and David remain peaceful and extremely grateful for every moment they have with RoseMary. When David is alone with RoseMary or just with Mary, he is constantly cooing and talking to his precious little girl. Now that she is no longer the only girl in the house, Mary says she is still getting used to him referring to "his beautiful girl" and not just meaning her.

David says that he feels so blessed to have been able to get to know his little girl. He reminds Mary that no matter what happens they will always be able to talk to her. Forever. They just can't help falling more deeply in love with RoseMary with each passing moment.

RoseMary seems to be eating pretty well but still not gaining weight. She held her weight steady from yesterday but the doctor still wants to see her gain weight in order to prevent the necessity of a feeding tube. RoseMary doesn't cry at all like most babies. She has to preserve her strength. So Mary makes sure to set the alarm clock for every 2-3 hours to feed RoseMary.

The best word to describe RoseMary Teresa is still peaceful. She is so still and peaceful, it's as though she is absorbing all the love that is pouring out through you and your prayers.

Her health remains very precarious. It is easy to forget what Mary gently reminded us of today, that RoseMary should not even have lived one day. She recognizes that this is a testament to all of your prayers. Prayers said throughout the day and at any or every moment, whether you are at work, play, or rest. The prayers of your children are especially powerful. Thank you.

Mary is still taking it one moment at a time. She says that just as our lord tells us there is a season for everything, right now, this is the season for her and David to just love their daughter RoseMary from moment to moment.

God Bless.

Monday Night Update - Keep Praying!!!!

2007-10-22T22:53:00.000-05:00

Here's the latest from Joe. Please keep up the good work in prayer!!

RoseMary Teresa enjoyed her 4th day of life today!

Her condition is very much the same. Her heart rate remains around 120 with normal breathing and she looks very healthy and pink, resting peacefully. She was still eating on her own although we need a few focused prayers in this area. Right now RoseMary Teresa is just on the brink of not needing a feeding tube but she needs to eat a little more so that she won't have to undergo this additional suffering. Please pray.

There is no change in her heart. It still sounds like a symphony of murmurs. Like a garden hose with a hundred leaks. And yet she still remains with us! Thank you for your continued prayers.

Today was an especially big day for RoseMary Teresa. She got to go home with mommy and daddy and live with all of her big brothers. Finally, Mary will have the help of a little extra feminine influence to help civilize and govern a household overridden with boys.

The reason RoseMary was able to go home is because, fundamentally, there is nothing they could do for her at the hospital. Everything important is being done by you and through all of your prayers. THANK YOU!!!

It was a little interesting, although the hospital staff was wonderful the whole time, just before RoseMary went home they began giving her certain care normally done right after birth (droplets in the eyes etc.). Sort of dotting i's and crossing t's. Something tells me they didn't think RoseMary was going to live this long. Mother Teresa had other ideas!

Mary and David are so happy that RoseMary is home. As Mary keeps repeating, they are grateful, peaceful, and joyful for every moment they have with her. By the way, RoseMary is ALWAYS being held by loving arms. She is never put down. There was a crib in the hospital room the whole time. I think they had to dust it after RoseMary left, it was never used.

Several of RoseMary's littlest cousin's and brothers have been able to spend more time with her as well. They are showering her with gentle kisses and always telling her they love her. RoseMary's 3 year old cousin Elizabeth wants to plan a sleep-over.

Mary and David received a letter from the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa's order, today. They say that they are praying. They are forwarding updates to the Motherhouse in India and RoseMary is very much in all their prayers. They say that they feel blessed to be a part of RoseMary Teresa's life, that this is a special gift.

This statement rings true to all of us.

Mother Teresa's sisters say that RoseMary represents the sanctity of life.
As Mother Teresa used to say - "Something beautiful for God". And God is certainly receiving much glory through RoseMary Teresa.

This is because of all of your prayers!

They remind us as we stay faithful to our prayers and marvel at the many blessings we receive that "God's ways are not our ways; they are infinitely better".

Now the most exciting news.

Fr. Peter has received special permission from the Bishop to give RoseMary Teresa the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. Because RoseMary Teresa's condition is so severe the Bishop has granted this permission.

So tomorrow at around 11:30, Fr. Peter will say mass and RoseMary Teresa, this already innocent and pure baby, will be even more closely united with Our Lord by receiving His Precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist and receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation. For her to receive Our Lord, Fr. Peter will place a tiny droplet of his precious blood on her tongue.

So thank you again for praying for her!

God Bless.

KEEP PRAYING!

2007-10-22T10:37:00.001-05:00

Joe's Sunday Night Update:

Raeanna and I and four of the kids just got back from visiting RoseMary Teresa. It was the first time Joey, Grace, Michael & Lillian were able to meet their new cousin who they have been making so many little sacrifices for. What a blessing!

RoseMary continues to live. She is peaceful and doing well. Today when we visited she seemed to be moving a little more than she was the other day, but as Joey said "she's a smart baby, she's saving her energy". (Something Joey knows about, especially at chore time)

It's just such a pleasure to see her open her tiny little mouth to yawn or make a little noise. We were able to watch as she managed to consume 3/4 of an ounce of formula. Periodically Mary has to gently rub under RoseMary's chin to remind her to keep eating. Otherwise, she eats like a pro. I will let you decide whether she gets that from Mary's or David's side of the family.

RoseMary Teresa enjoyed meeting her Uncle Chris, Aunt Janice, and cousins Monica and Clare for the first time today as well. She rested contently on either Mommy or Daddy's lap for most of the afternoon.

When I whispered softly in RoseMary Teresa's ear, all of the messages of love from each of you as I had promised, she suddenly opened her eyes and turned her head toward me. The way that she moved in quickly turning her head and stretching her neck reminded me very much of her Aunt Therese when you say something that suddenly strikes a chord or sparks her interest. It surprised me. But I suppose if there is one language this little girl understands and responds to, it's that of love.

I brought many of the messages that so many of you have sent for Mary & David to read. Mary & David are both so grateful. All they can do is express their gratitude over and over. Mary was describing what a gift this little girl is and how she is simply living each moment as precious and is so grateful for each breath of life that RoseMary Teresa breaths. She said this is a gift and she is accepting it and living it. She's not bailing on this gift that God has given. It's like she is in a canoe barreling down the rapids with no paddle but is just trusting in God at each moment and being the best Mother she can be to RoseMary Teresa at each moment. She is humbled when she realizes how much she needs all of your prayers.

Last night, Mary was alone for a short while and she clicked on EWTN. It happened to be a rerun of Mother Angelica Live from 1997. The first thing Mary heard was Mother Angelica saying "Alright, everybody has been asking for me to do a show about Mother Teresa, so here it is". Mary was then treated to a show accompanied by live action footage of Mother Teresa. Just a little blessing, Mother Teresa just wanted her to know she is paying attention.

I would like to say that now your prayers are even more important than ever, that we're "coming down to crunch time", but the reality is that with this beautiful, innocent little baby, every moment of her life has been "crunch time".

The doctor's examine her and she looks good, as a proud uncle I would even say she looks great. The reality, though, is that when they listen to her tiny heart, they hear what they describe as a "symphony of murmurs". Then they shrug their shoulders.

Only your prayers through the intercession of Mother Teresa are keeping this baby alive.

THANK YOU! Please keep praying.

God Bless,

Joseph

By the way, tomorrow is a very special day for RoseMary Teresa. God willing, she should be going home sometime around noon.

RoseMary Teresa Sunday Update

2007-10-21T13:29:00.001-05:00

Baby RoseMary with one of her 9 big brothers. (Yeah, I said 9!)

Here's the latest update from her uncle:

Rosemary Teresa made it through another night! This morning the doctor came in and examined her. She had originally lost a little weight as is normal for newborns. But she actually gained an ounce overnight! She continues to eat well and digest her food as well or better than any healthy newborn.

When the doctor listened to little RoseMary Teresa's heart, it sounded "all messed up". I think that must be a technical medical term.

Yet she is here, she is pink and healthy looking. And she is not struggling.

Meg said that she thinks that God just wants our prayers, he likes what is happening and he wants more of it. RoseMary Teresa continues to live. So let's REALLY storm heaven.

I didn't realize this but my sisters Therese and Charlotte reminded me that Mother Teresa had serious heart problems. She was taking nitroglycerin pills every hour at one point to stay alive. I think she likes all of the extra prayers as well. Let's take a page from her book and continue to be stubbornly persistent in our prayers.

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and sacrifices especially thank all of your children who are making extra little sacrifices for RoseMary Teresa.

Raeanna and I are going to visit RoseMary Teresa again this afternoon with some of the children. They are all really excited. Raeanna and I were talking last night about how we can't wait to see her again. Please know that I will be CERTAIN to tell RoseMary Teresa again how much each of you love her and wish you could hold her too.

God Bless,

Joseph

P.S. I am bringing as many photographic and video devices as possible to see if we can't send some higher quality pictures. Be patient on this score, I can't guarantee anything.

Please Pray for Baby Rose Mary Teresa!

2007-10-21T00:42:00.000-05:00

This is a super urgent matter. This little girl, Rose Mary Teresa, was born Monday morning around 8:00. She has a condition called trisomy. There are many different variations of it. But this little baby wasn't expected to live more than a few hours after she was born. Well, as I write this, she's almost at the 2 day mark! But she still has serious problems. When in utero, she had a tumor, and kidney malfunction. Before she was born, the tumor was gone and her kidney function was described as "ok". She also has really serious problems with her heart. Her heart rate was 60 when she was born, which is WAY too slow for a newborn. In the first hours of her life, she went up to 120, and her heart rate seems to still be going up very slightly.

Anyway, this family is amazing. There are 9 boys, and little Rose Mary is their first girl. The whole family has been praying to Mother Teresa throughout the pregnancy and now. They ask that you please also pray to Mother Teresa to ask God to heal this little baby. I mean, the tumor is gone, and her kidneys are ok! That was unexpected. It's surely a testament to the power of prayer! So please pray for Rose Mary and her family. She's defying expectations at this point, and there's no reason not to believe God may want this little one around for longer than a few hours.

Please also tell as many people as you can to pray for Rose Mary Teresa! The Faith that this family has is incredible! They're reaching out for that miracle, and they're asking Mother Teresa's intercession. Please do the same and tell others too! Thank you!

I'll post updates from Rose Mary's Uncle Joseph as I get them. This is the latest one he sent tonight:

RoseMary Teresa was blessed with a peaceful afternoon today. Mary started feeding her a little more frequently, every 2-3 hours versus every 3-4 hours. She is digesting her food well. when the nurse came in this afternoon,Meg asked her to evaluate Rosemary Teresa. The nurse checked her out and said her breathing was good, her heart rate was just a little over 120, she was a little jaundiced and needs to drink more.

But the doctor's still expect her heart to begin seriously declining in a few days at the most.

There was a stark contrast between this mornings conversation with the doctors as they explained the hard medical facts of RoseMary Teresa's heart condition and what they expect to begin to happen and what is observed by watching this little baby now. The comment you hear from everyone is "peaceful". When you enter the room you notice it. You don't want to leave. It's a place of peace, gratitude, and joy, all being lived in the present. There is no thought or worry of the future, they are all just appreciating the now. Sr. Louise from the Carmelite Monastery nearby stated it well. She said that RoseMary feels all of your love for her and is sustained by and living on your prayers and your love. They are her life-line.

Please keep praying.

This Sunday's Gospel is the story of the persistent widow and the corrupt judge. We are told to be persistent, even to the point of pestering.

Thank you all for being "prayerful pests".

I am blown away by the response to the request for prayer. I try to relate the responses to Mary. She is so grateful. Thank you all for your prayers. RoseMary Teresa is grateful, Mary and David and their family are grateful. Our entire family is grateful.

Tomorrow, when we visit RoseMary Teresa I will be sure to give her a kiss from all of you and let her know how loved she is. Something tells me I think she already knows it though.

God Bless,

Joseph

P.S. I will try to get another update to you before we visit RoseMary Teresa tomorrow afternoon.