Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Members of St. Michael Parish in Lincoln, Nebraska, are rallying together in prayer, asking the Lord for a miracle. The community is coming together to support Nick and Marie Hall, who are expecting their third child, a boy named Luke, in April. However, during a 20-week ultrasound in late 2023, doctors discovered that baby Luke has major abdominal medical issues and is seriously ill. The prognosis is grave, and doctors believe that Luke will not survive long after birth.

In the face of this heartbreaking news, the Hall family has made the difficult decision to forgo any medical treatments and instead turn to their Catholic faith and God for guidance and support. Marie Hall, the registrar of St. Michael School and a member of St. Michael Parish, expressed the overwhelming emotions and gratitude they have received from their parish community. She said, "It is so hard to put into words everything we are feeling right now. We are praying for a miracle of healing for our son; we are also praying for peace and understanding as we continue this journey. Accepting God's plan for our son, as incomprehensible as it may be, is our duty as Catholic parents. God is good and He will see us through."

Father Kenneth Borowiak, the pastor of St. Michael Parish, along with the Halls and Father Liam O'Shea-Creal, Marie's brother and assistant pastor of St. Michael Parish in Hastings, have discussed petitioning the Lord for a miracle through the intercession of an individual up for canonization. After careful consideration, they have chosen to seek the intercession of Father Edward Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town.

Father Borowiak emphasized the significance of miracles in the Catholic faith, stating, "Miracles happen regularly and are recorded in abundance in the Scriptures. Miracles have occurred throughout history and are well documented. One of the things Jesus frequently told His listeners was to ask Him for any needs and desires. Miracles are not superstitious or the result of so many prayers recited, but rather God's will. Therefore, we must ask."

To further support the Hall family's petition for a miracle, St. Michael parishioners have created prayer cards with a special prayer to the Lord through the intercession of Father Flanagan. The community is also urging others to spread the word through social media and any means possible, in the hopes of reaching a wider audience and garnering more prayers for baby Luke.

The faith and unity of St. Michael Parish are truly inspiring as they come together to support the Hall family during this difficult time. As they ask for a miracle, the community is reminded of the power of prayer and the unwavering trust in God's plan.