My name is Marisa Pelagatti. I am 42 years old. From birth until I was 14, I lay in bed or in someone's arms—one of my family members carrying me. Then, by Your grace and by my own will, O Lord, I was able to sit in a wheelchair. For 13 years I was shut away at home, leaving perhaps once or twice a year.
When I went on pilgrimage to Lourdes, kneeling before the Immaculate, I understood that You were calling me, O Lord, to pray, to make reparation, and to offer myself.
At first I tried to answer that call in a very human way. But then, more deeply, I began to unite my suffering to Yours and to work as an active agent in the apostolate of the Centro Volontari della Sofferenza in Parma. Yet I came to see that within the Church, and in society too, the sick and the disabled person has a specific mission to fulfill.
Today I am full of joy because You let me discover the richness of Your mystery in prayer, in study, and in service to my brothers and sisters.
I pray to You, O Lord, for mothers—that they will not kill their unborn children through abortion. These are Your creatures. No one has the right to take their lives from them. For You, Lord, have given each person his own path. Each one has a mission to fulfill. You are the master of our lives. You created us to give You glory. "All is Yours, Lord; all comes from You."
Thank You, Lord. I am content with the life You have given me, even in suffering.
You have given me a purpose.
Thank You. You did not give me the use of my legs or my hands, but You have given me so many friends who are my legs and my hands.
Thank You, Lord! Help those who suffer—those I cannot go to—to understand that life can be beautiful, joyful, and full when we place it in Your hands.
Marisa Pelagatti, 1977