READ: FATHER COBONA’S REMARKABLE SAINT JAMES’ DAY STORY OF HEALING: Here’s a heartwarming story to mark today’s Feast of Saint James, July 25, the brother of Saint John and one of the three disciples chose by Jesus to intimately share in his Transfiguration and Agony in the Garden. Pictured is Father Kusi Cobona, pastor of Saint James’ in Mason. Upon the parish’s patronal feast day, Father Cobona now relates a remarkable story of healing from complications following a recent medical procedure. He writes:
I had open heart surgery on January 23, 2024, for a valve replacement on my aorta. I had planned my surgery for January so that by summer time I would be back playing golf. However, there were some complications during the surgery which caused weakness, numbness and tingling pain on my right arm. I had to rely on pain medicine to help me sleep at night. I was informed by the doctors that this does happen occasionally and it will take a couple of weeks for the pain to disappear. It was very uncomfortable to do anything like using the bathroom, getting dressed, writing or driving. I had to learn to use my left arm in almost everything.
I was blessed to have my friend Father Bob Irish cover for me while I was on sick leave. My nephew, Father Ioane Sigarara, came over from Fiji to assist with my recovery for a couple of months. Our parishioners, friends and families were all praying for my healing. Our parish grouping had planned to have a Parish Mission for May 6-8, 2024. Peter Herbeck agreed to be the main speaker and lead us in this mission.
A healing prayer service was organized for the last evening but I was not planning on it. Kim Smith, our Parish Council chairperson, came over and not only encouraged me but almost dragged in line to be prayed over. May 7 is my birthday and this was on May 8. So, as I was lining up I prayed that the Lord give me a birthday gift! When my turn came I asked Father Vince Richardson and his prayer leaders for their blessing. I closed my eyes and opened the palms of my hands. I felt his hands on my head and many other hands on my shoulders, arms and back and heard prayers being murmured, people praying in tongues. Then I felt this warm, gentle feeling flow from my head to my shoulders, down my hands and arms to my fingers. The tingling pain on my right arm is gone! Wow! Praise the Lord! Tears flowed from my eyes as I felt the peace and joy of this healing touch on my arm. Everyone was singing, praising and thanking God for His healing touch.
I thank God for the special birthday gift, now that the tingling pain is gone I don’t need anymore pain medicine. I continue to do therapy to strengthen my muscles and wake up the stubborn nerves.
I thank God for the little miracles I experience everyday and for the prayers of our parishioners, families and friends and my brother priests. Alleluia! He is Risen! Happy feast day! Saint James, pray for us!
