Our Lady of Sorrows

By Joe Sullivan, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

Our Lady of Sorrows looks down on me as I drive people to their medical appointments. Her image is on my sun visor and it is difficult for any of my passengers to miss it. Todd saw it as soon as he got in. 

“So, you are Catholic?” “Sure am,” I replied. “I like how your denomination has Mary. Mine doesn’t really talk about her. I am looking for a church that is really Scripture based,” Todd confessed. “Well then, you should be Catholic. We are the Original Christianity. We are not a denomination. All other Christian Churches have a founder other than Jesus, like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Henry VIII.” 

Todd seemed really intrigued. “My grandmother was Catholic. And she had some battles with the devil. She always called a Catholic priest, and he would say prayers and sprinkle holy water. The devil is for real. I’ve seen some weird things with my grandmother.” “For sure,” I replied. “I’ve seen some freaky things myself.” 

I referred to my recent adventure being lost in the Arizona wilderness this past August. I am currently writing down my experience to be published in a book. Being lost for three days and three nights was scary enough, but the second night in the deepest part of the forest I got more than I expected. I will let you all know when the book is finished, and when and how you can buy a copy if you’re interested. 

I gave Todd a little preview of what I saw. “Wow! Yeah! That’s freaky!” I told him it was Our Lady that protected me and that someone told me that, while I was lost, a member of her prayer group saw a vision of a giant angel hovering over me. “I need to learn more about being Catholic. Where can I go?” Todd sounded authentic. “Just go to any Catholic Church near you and ask about the Catholic Initiation program.”