Micaela Rufina is a 31-year-old young woman from Mozambique who suffers from a rare disease.
Three years ago, she became a mother. She participated in this year's World Youth Day to thank Our Lady for the miracle of her pregnancy.
In an interview with ACI Digital (ACI Prensa's Portuguese agency), Micaela commented that she suffers from a disease that causes heart problems and "growth limitation and weak bones."
She also highlighted that due to her health complications, most medical professionals said she could not be a mother.
“The doctors told me it would be difficult, until a moment when I would have to choose between my life and my baby's. I decided to continue and, thanks to Mary, I managed to reach eight months," she said.
The young woman is very devoted to the Virgin, for which she explained that she had an easy pregnancy thanks to the intercession of Mary.
"Mary did a miracle for me during my pregnancy until I was able to give birth to my daughter," she added.
After having her little girl, who is now three years old, Micaela had some "health complications" and spent two weeks in the hospital, to the point of reaching intensive care.
"But, thank God, I am here to testify," she remarked.
Currently, Micaela is at World Youth Day to give thanks for the gift of being a mother.
"I came to World Youth Day in Lisbon to thank Our Lady for everything she has done for me and I intend to bring my renewed faith," she concluded.
Let us pray the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life for all mothers:
Prayer Source: USCCB
The Response is: Mary, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of all Life,
help us to respect human life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. R.
Mary, Mother of Compassion,
You showed us how valuable a single life can be;
Help us to guard and protect the lives of all people entrusted to our care. R.
Mary, Mother of the Child Jesus,
with St. Joseph, you formed the Holy Family.
Guard and protect all families in this earthly life; R.
Mary, Mother Most Holy,
You sanctified the vocation of motherhood;
Pour out your heavenly aid on all mothers and help them to be holy. R.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows,
Simeon’s prophecy foretold that a sword of suffering would pierce your heart;
Bring comfort and hope to all mothers who suffer over their children. R.
Mary, Full of Grace,
You had a choice in responding to God’s call;
Help us always to say “Yes” to the will of God in our lives,
And strive always to do whatever he tells us. R.
Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted,
Pour forth your heavenly grace
on all who are in need of God’s healing,
Especially those involved in abortion;
Help them to experience the love and mercy of Christ, your Son. R.
Mary, Intercessor and Advocate,
We lift up the poor, the displaced, the marginalized, and vulnerable members of society;
Help them to never abandon hope, but to place their trust in the God who gave them life. R.
Mary, Mother of the Word Incarnate, you bore in your womb him whom the heavens cannot contain;
Help us to bear witness to Christ
by the example of our lives
And show the world the extravagant love of God. R.
All:
Remember, o most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To you we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer them.
Amen.