Testimonials

Testimony of Maria do Carmo Mariano (President of Amaiben)

On October 29th of 1961, Humberto Luiz was born, my 4th child. The pregnancy was uneventful until the 6th month. From then on, there was a risk of losing liquid and my doctor, despite my concerns and explanations, gave no importance to the fact.

Due to the liquid I lost, as the doctors later told me, I gave birth to a premature baby, even though he was born in due time. He was born wrapped around the umbilical cord, lacked oxygen at the time of birth, which led to complete brain atrophy; total cerebral palsy.

The doctor, who accompanied me throughout pregnancy and childbirth, gave us no explanation to his difficulties. The next day, I was discharged from hospital and went home without any guidance. At home, I began to realize the seriousness in his features. He could not suck and had no movement in his legs. Seeing so many difficulties, my husband and I saw the need to call a pediatrician, who confirmed all deficiencies and lack of reflexes, and that in order to raise him, we would need to be skillful; total cerebral paralysis.

The problems were very serious. He never had tears. By his face expression, I could perceive he was crying. It was a hoarse and muffled cry. During 2 months, he cried day and night. I nursed him nonstop. I used to feed him with an eyedropper. Pediatricians and neurologists, tests almost every day, severe convulsions. I had no control over the temperature – it used to rise over 40 º C, then it froze down.

Those days were very serious. Only the protection of God was able to guide me and give me the strength to carry on. He was dead several times. At the age of 3, he wasn’t walking, his head couldn’t stay steady, having liquid and creamy food. He was allergic to all types of milk, including that of soybeans. Finally, was fed with goat milk. The problems got worse. The doctors told me: "Take care of your other children, it’s useless to worry about this baby, he will not even learn habits. Admit him somewhere".

At that time, I met Sister Benigna, who came into my life for good. With her prayers, advice, words, spiritual care, everything began to improved.

Every day Humberto showed some progress. Convulsions were rarer and were eventually gone. The body began to stay steady and he began to walk, smiling. He began to figure out the world around him, participating and playing with siblings and friends. His understanding of life was growing and improving his knowledge for life. The battle was not easy, but with the prayers, with the notable presence of Sister Benigna, he could then realize the world and, protected by her and his brothers, he was improving day by day. Sister Benigna taught him everything he needed, especially the presence of God and Our Lady, and told me: "He will give you great joy." Thus he was growing up and his intelligence blossomed. He began to attend school; participating in seresta groups of Sister Benigna, along with his brother and nieces, playing tambourine. Doctors and medicines were no longer necessary. She prepared his 1st communion. Each day there was a new response, giving us enthusiasm and certainty of his recovery. A great friendship was born between us, based on faith, prayers and words. I began to accompany her whenever necessary, visiting government offices to get funding for Augusto Silva Nursing Home.

We went to houses where her prayers were needed: diseases, the most diverse problems. I accompanied her to medical appointments, because it was here that Dr. Múcio controled her 16 diseases. I was always by her side in hospitals, surgery, ICU, and she always by my side at all times. I witnessed many facts of her life. We walked together. She told me that I was her mother and I used to say the same thing to her. I witnessed beautiful moments of her life, stating her humility and the strength of her prayers. Extraordinary miracles happened. She welcomed everyone with affection, relieving many hearts. It was an edifying life. Always present in Humberto’s life, participating in his restoration. He was a disabled person; he did not speak but created gestures to communicate. His gifts were very strong, a wonderful faith, an immense love for Jesus, Mary and Sister Benigna.

Humberto's life through the intercession of Sister Benigna was an enormous miracle. Those who knew him were surprised.

We pray that soon, she is on the altars, helping so many needy scattered around the face of the earth.

Maria do Carmo de Souza Figueiredo Mariano