I have seen miracles. Many miracles!

It is wondrous.  The conversion stories were inspiring.  "I have seen miracles--many miracles."  These are the words of Father M. Jean-Joseph Lataste, O.P. when he visited a women's prison in Cadillac, France, in 1864.  And these were our words today, at a Day of Recollection, in MCI Norfolk, MA.

I'll start with one miracle that you can relate to.  Sister Ruth had asked the prison administration for permission to bring in flowers for the altar, for Mass on the Day of Recollection, and Promise day.  She was refused.  Permission was denied--no flowers could be brought in. 

So be it.

We had Mass at the end of the Day of Recollection.  While the altar was being prepared, in walked some "cloistered brothers" with six vases of cut flowers.  They were beautiful.  They were quite a surprise.  Who was responsible for providing them, we don't know.  And how whoever it was, knew we wanted flowers for the altar is a mystery, too.

Another miracle: A pagan high priest was converted to Christianity.  Explain that.

How about a murderer that prays for the soul of his victim and the victim's family.  And other inmates whose lives have been touched by the holy spirit and have turned their lives around.

How about a priest that has learned patience by watching how the "cloistered brothers"  treat another brother   handicapped with many physical handicaps?  

It's a miracle, that I myself was there.  It was a beautiful day today.  You'd think I'd be on a beach, down the Cape.  How come I was there - inside a prison?  

It's all explained by grace.