SSOCIATE DEBBIE Sebastian’s heart sank when she reached into her pocket for her $100 bill and it was gone. She had planned to purchase her 13-year-old son’s birthday gift, a tennis racquet to use in the National Junior Olympics. Debbie had little hope of retrieving the lost bill, since she had been all over the hospital and the parking lot with it in her pocket.

Debbie enlisted the help of volunteer Dale Jolly, who scoured the hospital in search of the lost bill. Debbie also shared her story with Sister Marian and the Spiritual Care Department. They all began to pray for the money’s return. Sister Marian asked Debbie, “Do you believe in St. Anthony (the patron saint of lost items)?” Debbie said she did. Sister Marian replied, “You will have your money back by 4:00 this afternoon.”

Thanks to St. Anthony’s guidance and Associate Jennifer Philips’ honesty, Sister Marian’s prophecy came true. Jennifer discovered the bill in the hallway and told Associate Ivy Pate about her find. Because Ivy’s office is next door to Debbie’s, she knew where the money belonged. Jennifer returned the bill to Debbie and was relieved to get it back to the rightful owner. Debbie was elated, grateful and overwhelmed at the power of prayer.

So the story has a happy ending. With the help of Sister Marian and Spiritual Care, Debbie’s son got his tennis racquet, Debbie got back her peace of mind and Jennifer made a grateful friend for life.

Debbie expressed her thanks to Jennifer, Ivy and Dale, gratitude to Sister Marian and the Spiritual Care Department, and said a heartfelt prayer of appreciate to St. Anthony.

Mary Ann Edwards
director
Public Relations
CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital
Beaumont, Texas