Even good can come from a horrible tragedy. This mother’s faith in such a trying time is indescribable.
This terrible story about a suspected drunk driver killing a 25-year-old woman made headlines in Denver this week.
There is more to the story than a normal news outlet may tell you. But first, let’s begin with what happened.
Angela Wimmer, a 25-year-old beautiful, vibrant, and devoutly Catholic woman went to the 11 am Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Lakewood, Colorado.
On her way home from Mass, she picked up a bucket of chicken and stopped at a red light a block away from her house. While stopped, a suspected drunk driver rear-ended her.
Angela was then taken to the hospital where she died of internal injuries.
Angela’s family and friends are obviously devastated at this horrible loss and injustice.
Her mother, Linda, said that she never wanted her child to die, and her grief is absolutely indescribable.
She said, “I am so upset, but I know that God wants her for some reason.”
The providential story behind her family’s Catholic devotions gives her great consolation during this extremely difficult time, because no parent ever imagines losing their child.
Divine Providence, through the Intercession of St. Therese & the Archangels
The Wimmer family is very devoted to Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They all, including Angela, renew their consecration to the Two Hearts every year.
Linda is also devoted to St. Therese of Lisieux. She just finished a nine-hour novena to St. Therese on Friday, Sept. 28, and a novena to St. Michael the Archangel for her whole family. (The feast of the Archangels was Sept. 29.)
She added that Angela went on a pilgrimage to an Ecuador cloister convent to visit Mother Mariana‘s 400 year-old incorrupt body. Our Lady of Good Success appeared to Mother Mariana alongside the archangels and St. Francis of Assisi.
She touched all of her sacramentals to the legs and feet of Mother Mariana’s body.
For the past two years, Linda requested Masses to be said for her family at Clear Creek Abbey in Tulsa, Okla.
One priest from Clear Creek Abbey told her this:
“St. Therese of Lisieux died on Sept. 30, 1897, while Angela died Sept. 30 as well…
“Angela completed her earthly course between the two feasts of the Angeli, Sept. 29 and Oct. 2. Her death was embraced, enclosed, encompassed, as it were, by these two feasts.
“Tragic circumstances may have surrounded her passing, but the Angels did even more so and more closely. Angela, surrounded by the Angeli—both St. Therese and the good Angels are big fans of reverence and kneeling.
“They will know how to recognize their own as yet, because Angela knelt for Holy communion.”
The Divine Mercy Hour
Linda desperately wanted to discover the exact time of Angela’s death. She hoped that her death was during the hour of Mercy–the 3 o’clock hour.
And it was. Angela died at exactly 3:05 p.m.
Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus
As said above, the Wimmer family is very devoted to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They follow the First Friday and First Saturday devotions.
Angela’s rosary and funeral are planned for this Friday and Saturday, which are the first Friday and Saturday of the month.
Linda said, “She died on the hour of Mercy and will be buried on first Friday and first Saturday. She loved the rosary. She prayed the rosary. When I went into her room, her rosary was right by her bedside.”
Angela’s Strong Faith
Linda added, “Angela’s faith was very strong. She was Homeschooled, she had to memorize the Baltimore catechism–she knew her faith well. She wore a scapular for years.”
Angela’s friends and boyfriend also saw the great faith she had.
Her boyfriend, Brandon Johnson, was raised Catholic, but was not practicing. His plan was to go to confession within the next week as a “gift” to Angela.
“I was going to go to confession this Sunday when she got in the wreck,” said Johnson. “I want to be a good Catholic again. She changed my life. I want to see her again and do everything I can to make that possible.”
He also said her joy was contagious.
“I can’t remember very many times where she wasn’t happy. She always smiled and never had anything bad to say about anyone, ever, he said. “I could vent to her and it made me want to be a better person.”
Teresa Cory, one of Angela’s roommates and best friends, said Angela was full of joy, very involved in the Denver Catholic young adult community, and always willing to grow in her faith.
She explained that Angela “was very inspiring,” and encouraged her when transitioning to new job.
“Not a Coincidence”
Linda said, “This is no coincidence that I said the novena to St. Therese and Angela died on the day that St. Therese died.”
“I really believe she was just meant to live to be 25 years old,” she added. I believe in God’s will. God allows evil to happen for a greater cause. I think she would accept anything that God wanted from her.”
Linda concluded with these words from a Carmelite nun:
“Reverend Mother always says that God doesn’t look to take you out of this world at your lowest but at the best time for your salvation to be possible…although you never dream of burying a child…we must trust in His Will and His Timing.”
Angela’s family has set up a GoFundMe account for funeral costs.
[See also: “Don’t Waste Your Suffering”: 10 Saint Quotes to Encourage You Through Your Trials]