This is to let you, know the very sad news that Mari-Loli, one of the four Garabandal visionaries, is going through a very serious health crisis On the 40th anniversary of Our Lady of Carmel's appearance at Garabandal, Spain, July 2nd, Loli entered Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and on the same day had biopsy surgery on her lungs One cut under her breast, another cut under her arm and one on her back,

She was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis which has been active for two year without anyone knowing, It is complicated by a very rare form of Lupus, an immune system disorder, that she has had to endure for the last 15 years Thereare many other health factors that enter into this that I am not able to explain because I do not even understand it myself, However, it has been classified as "terminal."

There is an experimental drug, not approved as yet, which has helped in "certain" cases Whether or not it could help Loli is unknown at this time.

For now, all I can tell you is to pray... that is our greatest hope.

Rosaura (Sari), Loli's sister who lives here in Garabandal, where I am until the end of this month, has asked me to try to organize for Loli, 1-hour of rosary prayers, including adoration of The Blessed Sacrament, wherever it is possible, She suggested that it be at the same hour worldwide.

Therefore, Sunday. July 15th, Vigil of the feastday of Our Lady of Carmel, at the Hour of Mercy 3 to 4 PM is the designated time for every time zone.

PLEASE TRY TO LET ALL OUR FRIENDS KNOW THIS NEWS through the world so that those who can or wish to can participate in this very urgent call for Loli's healing. What else can we do… sincere prayer is the only answer.

Loli and her family are aware of the many prayers and Holy Masses being offered on her behalf They want everyone to know how grateful they are. Loli told me last night that she is also praying to Mother Theresa She treasures the little medals that Mother Theresa gave her when they met in 1988.

How long does she have??? The doctors can only quote statistics and have been very prudent in explaining their views. However, I do believe God is the ONE who will make the final decision. We must all TRUST in Him. Keep praying!!! We want ONLY His Holy Will.

With much appreciation for whatever you can do in soliciting prayers for Loli.

GOD BLESS YOU... IN UNION OF PRAYERS,
Maria Carmela Saraco

PS: If you are reading this after the 15th of July It is still very important to continue to pray for Loli and her family.

Update on Loli's illness
From The Vigil special issue 2002 Question and Answers

Question: I have just read your notice regarding the illness of Mari-Loli and note that it dates back a few months. I wonder do you have any update on her condition?

Answer: The news is both good and bad. As I originally reported, she is terminally ill. According to her doctor and the Massachusetts General Hospital she is in the last stages of Pulmonary Fibrosis. However, a third doctor, a specialist in that field, believes because her oxygen level is good and which is not typical in those who are terminally ill that it is possible that she could live another 20 years. He claims he has never encountered a case like hers... and, calls her a "real mystery." He is a well known and respected doctor in his field and is based at Yale University in Connecticut. Here is a possible explanation... a very realistic explanation, part of a letter that Loli wrote to Father Luis Retenaga on October 13, 1963 when she was only 14 years old: "The Virgin has made me know when a priest is in sin. She has helped me to know that he needs many prayers and sacrifices. Also, She has given me to understand the Crucifixion in The Holy Mass, since I comprehend the humility, the sacrifice for the world. I spoke with The Virgin in a locution and asked Her to give me a cross to suffer for priests. She told me to bear everything with patience and to be humble, which was what pleased God the most. And I said to Her, 'Am I going to die soon?' And She said to me: 'No. You have to remain in the world to suffer. In whatever Place you are you will suffer.' She also told me, 'Pray the Rosary everyday. Pray for priests, since there are some who need more sacrifices for them every day.'" Let us keep praying for Loli and her family. They want everyone to know how thankful they are for our prayers and concern and that we too are remembered in their prayers as well.