A 14-month-old boy in Phoenix, Arizona, miraculously recovered from a near-drowning incident. The parents attribute the child's full recovery to the intercession of the late Cardinal George Pell. The child was found unresponsive and without a pulse, but after prayers, he made a complete recovery. Doctors were unable to fully explain the turnaround. The family hopes to share their story to strengthen the faith of others.
about 1 month ago
A toddler's near-drowning in Phoenix, Arizona, and subsequent full recovery has been attributed by his family to the intercession of the late Cardinal George Pell 2. The event has strengthened the family’s faith and inspired them to share their story 1 2.
On March 2, 2025, 14-month-old Vincent Robinson was found unresponsive at the bottom of his family's backyard pool 2. After being rushed to the hospital, he had no pulse and was placed on life support after 52 minutes of resuscitation 1 2. Doctors initially gave a grim prognosis 2.
The parents, Caitlin and Wesley Robinson, began praying to Cardinal George Pell, whom they had met in 2021, for a miracle 1 2. They also sought the intercession of Blessed Conchita, who had lost a child to drowning, and initiated a novena to Blessed Father Michael McGivney 1 2. News of the accident prompted widespread prayers from family, friends, and community members 2.
Doctors were initially pessimistic, but observed unexpected improvements 2. An MRI scan revealed no damage to Vincent's brain, heart, or lungs 2. On March 13, Vincent was discharged in perfect health 2. Doctors have described the turnaround as "very hard to explain" 1.
Cardinal George Pell, a distinguished member of the Curia, served as the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy 1. He was controversially convicted of abuse in 2018 but was later unanimously exonerated by the High Court of Australia in 2019 1. He died in 2023 and a Requiem Mass was celebrated at St Peter’s Basilica 1. Archbishop Fisher noted that Pell endured wrongful conviction and imprisonment with faith, hope, and charity 2.
The Robinsons believe Vincent's recovery is a miracle 1 2. Caitlin Robinson, expecting her ninth child, described the experience as life-altering, solidifying her belief in the power of prayer and the intercession of saints 1 2. The family hopes their story will encourage others and reinforce the importance of faith within the home 1 2.
The Catholic Church affirms the power of intercessory prayer, where individuals ask God for blessings and assistance on behalf of others . This practice reflects a heart attuned to God's mercy and participates in Christ's own intercession . Prayer is not merely for personal peace but a means to entrust the world to God, expressing charity and actively seeking His intervention .
Christian intercession is understood as participating in Christ's intercession as an expression of the communion of saints . The Church recognizes that those who have lived holy lives on earth continue to intercede for us from Heaven. The Catechism states that intercession is a prayer of petition that leads us to pray as Jesus did .
Miracles are seen as signs of God's power and providence, often linked to the intercession of saints . They are considered divine interventions that can suspend the natural order for a higher purpose . The Church approaches claims of miracles with careful scrutiny, requiring rigorous investigation and confirmation by ecclesiastical authority . Miracles are not only wonders but also signs that reveal God's supernatural providence over humanity .
The news article highlights the Robinson family's belief that their child's recovery was a miracle attributed to the intercession of Cardinal George Pell and others. The family's faith was strengthened through prayer, and they believe that Vincent's recovery is a testament to the power of prayer and the intercession of saints. The doctors described the turnaround as "very hard to explain" which further supports the family's belief that it was a miracle.
While the family attributes the recovery to Cardinal Pell's intercession, the Church has a formal process for recognizing miracles, especially in the context of canonization . The Church would require thorough investigation, including medical and theological reviews, to determine if the recovery can be scientifically explained or if it is indeed a miracle . The widespread prayers from family, friends, and community members also played a role, reflecting the Catholic belief in the power of collective intercession .
The news article illustrates the Catholic belief in intercessory prayer and the potential for miracles. The family's experience aligns with the Church's teaching on the importance of prayer and the communion of saints. However, it is important to remember that the Church has a specific process for recognizing miracles, and further investigation would be necessary to determine if Vincent's recovery meets the criteria for a miracle attributed to Cardinal Pell's intercession .