A VISIT FROM GOD
by Sister Beth McGlynnFrom the Saint Stephen Family Newsletter Summer/Fall 1998
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In reading about the saints of the church, it seems that many have experienced special "visits" from God either in apparitions or visions. Sometimes these "visits" are strong realizations of God's special presence. Well, here in St. Stephen's Parish, we have had a "visit" from God. It was on Friday, June 19, the Feast of the Sacred Heart. That was the day on which Jennifer Lauria, a 14 year old Confirmation Candidate was not only visited by God, but was taken to be with God forever. She died of no apparent physical ailment so we need to be in wonder and awe at this mysterious visit. Jennifer had touched so many lives. According to Fr. Steve: "Jennifer was a very spiritual girl. She had a deep faith and was very close to Jesus. As an altar server, her great joy was being able to receive Jesus, both in the bread and the wine. Such was her love of the Eucharist." According to her Catechists, Bob & Gail Morse, "Jennifer always smiled, was a most agreeable person, was always willing to open herself up to whatever the situation was. She had a very compassionate heart and gave to those who were most needy. She was very interested in the group, "Save the Children" to which she donated some of her money. (Because of Jennifer's great love of this organization, the family set up a Memorial at Save the Children Federation, 54 Wilton Rd., Westport 06880, where contributions can be made in Jennifer's memory.) She loved animals, and loved to paint. Her portrait of one of her three cats won her an outstanding artist award at Madison Middle School in Trumbull where she just graduated. She helped her Mom very much by cooking (she loved that) and cleaning since her Mom is not well." Annie Lynch, also a recent graduate of Madison Middle School, said of Jennifer: "It's hard to lose a friend, especially one you don't know very well. |
We went to the same church and the same schools. This year she was in one of my classes. Even though she was very quiet, I knew how she felt. I wish I had told her that. She was nice to everyone who talked to her. I always.thought I would have time to get to know her better. When she signed my yearbook, she wrote, "Have a nice summer". She was so quiet that some people might not have remembered her, but now we will never forget her."
The following are some quotes from Jennifer's eighth grade religion book: "Here's what I believe about the Holy Sprit: He takes away your fears." "About myself: I believe I'm an inteligent, kind young lady." "About eternal life: If you are good, you go to heaven." "About the church: It is like life-support, most people need it to survive the rough spots of life." "About being religious: It is helping others." "Celebrating is a way to rejoice in God's good will." "Being called to care is God's will." If you would like to learn more about Jennifer and the things that interested her, visit her web site at http://home.att.net/~lauria. Her family would love for you to visit and sign the "guest book." It is my opinion that Jennifer would make a terrific patron saint of our Confirmation Class this year. We will pray to her that our young people preparing for this significant "visit" from God the Holy Spirit in their lives, will help them to grow in the beautiful virtues that Jennifer had. May she rest forever in the arm of this God who loved her so. Submitted by: S. Beth McGlynn
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