The Diocese of Almeria said that Tyquan Hall, born prematurely after an emergency C-section at Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, suffered from oxygen deprivation, turned pale, and had almost no pulse. Doctors at the time didn't think he would survive.
In desperation, attending physician Juan Sanchez, originally from Huercal-Overa, Spain, prayed for the intervention of Salvador Valera Parra, a 19th-century priest highly revered in the region.
Minutes later, the baby's heart began beating normally without medical intervention. Despite his scientifically inexplicable recovery, Tyquan was expected to suffer severe neurological damage due to the severe lack of oxygen in his first hours of life.
However, Tyquan grew up healthy and reached all major developmental milestones, such as speaking at 18 months and walking at two years old, according to WJAR.
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Pope Leo XIV in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on 13/7. Photo: AP |
Pope Leo XIV in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on 13/7. Photo: AP
The Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island announced on 18/7 that Pope Leo XIV declared this a miracle and the baby was healed through the intercession of Father Valera Parra.
Father Timothy Reilly, from the Diocese of Providence, called it "wonderful news". "The miracle at Memorial Hospital, Pawtucket, in 2007 is a reminder of the power of prayer and the intervention of the saints. God is truly close to us," he said. "We are overjoyed that this recognition will advance the process of beatification and canonization of the Venerable Servant of God Salvador Valera Parra".
"The more you think about the miracle, the more amazing it is that Father Valera lived in the 19th century. He never came to America. We have no information about him ever coming here. Never came to Rhode Island," Father Reilly added. "And then, because the doctor called his name and invoked him for help in the situation in 2007 on behalf of the baby, he decided to intervene and convey the request to God for a miracle".
Father Valera Parra lived in Spain from 1816 to 1889. He was a priest with a simple lifestyle, dedicated to helping those affected by epidemics.
Vu Hoang (According to NY Post, NBC News, AFP)
