A reader writes

I ask you and your readers to please pray for my family. Last year my wife Kim and I lost our first child, Natalie Claire, when she was born at 19 weeks. Kim is now 16 weeks pregnant and on Sunday her water broke. This makes the prognosis very poor. The doctor offered to induce labor and abort, but we refused. There is a very small glimmer of hope that the amniotic sac will reseal itself and fill back up with fluid. Despite our fears, we are clinging to that hope that Jesus promises us.

We need many prayers to get through this difficult time. Please, offer up whatever prayers you can to Our Lord that our child might be saved, according to His Will. I have dedicated him to the Sacred Heart of Our Lord and am in constant prayer that He might show mercy on us.

We have had a small sign of hope. We named him Tobias Joseph on the way to the hospital this morning. In the Book of Tobit, Tobias is conceived in a difficult time, and throughout his life an archangel in disguise assists him. After Kim’s ultrasound, a young man took us back to our room. His name was Gabriel. We are praying that this is a sign of God’s mercy and love.

Father, grant life to your child and healing and hope to this family, through Jesus Christ your Son. Mother Mary, pray for them! Amen!