Deacon Jack Sullivan, whose cure from crippling back pain advanced the beatification of Servant of God John Henry Cardinal Newman, preached from the pulpit of Westminster Cathedral on the Feast of St. John Lateran. He talked about his miraculous cure and praised Cardinal Newman’s spiritual insights and “extraordinary” foresight.

In 2001 a serious spinal condition caused him what he described as “intolerable pain with utterly no prospect of relief.” He was on the verge of complete paralysis and in jeopardy of losing his job and failing to complete his preparation to become a deacon.

“But it was this state of mind that lead me to prayer.  I called upon my very special intercessor and faithful friend: ‘Please Cardinal Newman, help me to walk, so that I can return to my classes and be ordained.

“Suddenly I felt a tremendous sensation of intense heat all over, and a strong tingling feeling throughout my body, both of which lasted for a long time! I also felt an overwhelming sense of joy and peace, as well as a strong sense of confidence and determination that finally I could walk!”

The deacon said this was a “wonderful sign” affirming Cardinal Newman’s intercession.

Cardinal Newman will be beatified in 2010, the bishops' conference reports.