“Oh, come without fear or trembling! I promise to receive you with all gentleness.”

Portrait of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos

Preacher, Miracle Worker, Friend

The heroic and miraculous religious life of the “Cheerful Ascetic” Redemptorist Father Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R. (1819-1867) inspires legions of the clergy, religious, laity and specifically those seeking a miracle of healing throughout the world.

Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000, Fr. Seelos possessed great mystical gifts due to his life of intense prayer and penance. His innate kindness, understanding and dedication to the needs of the faithful from all walks of life makes him an outstanding model for those in religious life and laity alike. As a missionary preacher and lifelong friend of the poor and destitute, Seelos was a spiritual father to tens of thousands, giving counsel and hearing the confessions of all who came to him. Despite his untimely death at age 48, so profound was his apostolic zeal that sickness, persecution, and even the upheaval caused by civil war could not dampen his faith.

Learn more about Blessed Seelos | Visit the Shrine

Praise & Thanksgiving

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, had a mastectomy, and thought I was cancer-free. In 2021 I was diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer. I did 4 months of treatments and thought I was cancer free again. In March 2025, I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer in my skin and lungs. My doctor offered medication and a targeted therapy shot every three weeks. A July 2025 scan indicated the medicine was helping, no progression. In October I had another scan that showed no disease. On January 11, 2026, I attended a Seelos Healing Mass. On January 19, I received the results of my next scan. No sign of cancer.

In 2025, I was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer. My family and friends spread my story to ask for prayers. I received mail from a friend’s mother and inside was the story of Blessed Seelos, a crochet relic, and the assurance of intercessory prayers at the tomb of Blessed Seelos. I carried it with me through multiple hospital stays and two surgeries. I am incredibly happy to report four tumors have been removed and the cancer did not metastasize anywhere else in my body. As of today I am cancer free. Glory be to God.

5-year-old Blaise was in critical condition with pneumonia caused by an infection in his trach. The doctors told his parents that there was a very slim chance that they would take their baby boy home. I immediately prayed to Blessed Seelos. After 7 days, Blaise started to show improvement. His pneumonia started to clear, then they took him out of the induced coma and he was able to speak and sit up and play a little. I feel blessed Seelos came to Blaise’s rescue.