Wow, what a wonderful and powerful victory it was last week for the Chilean miners, the Chilean people and all those who watched and cheered for their rescue! How can one not be happy for the country and their well-orchestrated effort to rescue these thirty-three men trapped for over two months. Much credit must be given to their government for the way that they aggressively tackled the situation, from having the men deal with psychologists, dividing up the responsibilities, keeping them from physical and mental ailments, right up to the drilling of the passages and raising of the miners. What a gripping story, and, finally, broadcast we watched unfold.
This seems like it was one of those stories where the good-guys won, and, hopefully, there will be no more situations such as these, although with mining, it really is inevitable.
At the same time, one of the great story lines all along was the issue of these men's faith. They recognized that it really was miraculous (and even CNN did, too) that they survived and were rescued. They stated that there were little miracles witnessed all along and it caused their belief in God to grow. It, is God, afterall, who preforms miracles! One miner stated that they, "Saw the devil and they saw God. And they chose God." Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all say that, all the time!!
Kudos to the worldwide community for the help they provided and the support and prayers they offered. While the technology and support that was provided was imperative, perhaps the miners survived and were rescued by the prayers of the world.
At Chilean soccer matches, the crowd often chants, "Chi-Chi-Chi, Le, Le, Le" in an effort to support their nation or to celebrate a particular victory. As the miners were brought forth from the depths of the world, the nation chanted this as a sign of victory for their nation. How appropriate! Hopefully, their faith in God and His great miracles will grow and stand firm and continue to be a witness for all the world to see!
--Fr. Marc A. Vicari
Mark, Susan and Baby Jude
(He's a miracle!)
About Me
- Fr. Marc Vicari
- Upper Montclair, New Jersey
- A Roman Catholic priest living in Montclair, NJ and serving the Archdiocese of Newark. I've lived in this area all my life and will probably never leave. Interests include traveling, reading, praying, following sports, especially the Yankees and practicing martial arts. I love to go wine tasting every once in a while, too.