“The final battle between the Lord and the reign of Satan will be about marriage and the family.” This famous quote from Sister Lucia of Fatima has been repeated countless times around the world.
The Church has always professed the importance of family. In the Catechism, family is referred to as “the original cell of social life.” ( CCC 2207). When we think of family, it may mean different things to different people, but the Church often referred to it as the “domestic church.” This is where we learn about life, morals, values, expectations, and other forms of societal norms.
In my mind, I knew what this description of family meant. However, I never really thought about it in depth until my brother became sick on Thanksgiving day. I got to witness the true power of what a family can do and what it can overcome. We all came together to make sure Mike knew we were there for him. My sister, mother, and I flew out to his home across the country and made sure we were there to help Mike’s wife, Anna, with my nephew Gio, and to be a source of comfort and companionship for both Mike and Anna.
But something more was happening. It was something beautiful. The sacrifices and prayers we were all doing seemed to give him strength. As often as we could, we made sure someone was with him every day. Certain times, when the rules allowed, we were even able to bring Gio to him. Someone on his care team admitted that this would be good for him. And it was. His face brightened up and he used all of his effort to engage with his son.
Progress was happening.
Mere words can not express the power of a family unit. I took the picture below during one of our hospital visits where Gio was allowed to visit. It captures the power and strength of a family fighting through the darkness.
Additionally, Gio’s Godfather has been a blessing this entire time and ensured Mike was able to receive prayers, sacraments, and visits from his church family. Everyone plays a tiny part. And everyone brings a bit more fortitude. A family defeats the darkness and fear of the world and ushers in love, prayer, and blessings.
When I look at the image above I can almost see God working through them. Anna’s love and dedication never wavered. She juggled work, childcare, visiting Mike, and running a household. I wasn’t able to witness their wedding due to distance, but I was able to witness her uphold her vows in a concrete way. This is family. This is an example of how strong it really is. It is good that God gave us an example of a family – the Holy Family. It showed us the strength of a family, and the moments families endure and how to endure them.
Now, Mike is at a PT rehab gaining back his strength and is scheduled to return home after almost two months. The work of the family will continue on and there will be tough times as well as good times. I believe they will continue to follow the example set by the Holy family. Mike’s strength and determination to return to his family was the driving force in his recovery.
That is the power of family. And while the “final battle will be about marriage and the family,” we already know the ending.
Jennifer Gladen 