An unlikely occasion once arose when a staunch Protestant lady was asked to give a talk before a large Catholic congregation that was over a thousand miles from her home.  A reception would follow.  It would be an all expense paid trip including a $300. speakers fee.  After several days of prayer and seriously considering this flattering invitation, she did accept.

  Wanting to give her very best in a talk worthy of this momentous occasion, she spent many arduous hours preparing it and to be sure of her presentation, she made up reference cards to refer to during her talk so as not to miss any salient points.

   Shortly after arriving the day of her talk, she was astonished to learn that there was an $8.00 admission fee to attend.  As it was, she'd been somewhat anxious but a challenge of this magnitude...she was not sure she was up to it.

   The moment arrived and while poised on the stage listening to the Parish Priest opening the program, introducing her, she discovered to her shocking horror, she had forgotten all her reference cards.  "Oh Lord, she prayed, what shall I do?"  She must stand now and talk before this packed beautiful Catholic church for approximately 45 minutes. 

   For her there was no need to get behind a podium with no notes to rest on, so she stood, having a microphone clipped on and said, "I'd like for you all to pray for me now", but didn't tell them why.  She began, and talked (the priest said exactly 40 minutes) feeling perfectly at ease without the slightest fear or hesitation as she spoke.  She opened her mouth and words flowed out as though she too were listening to her talk.

   When she finished, seeing the smiles and hearing the resounding applause, the priest concluded the program instructing people where to go to the reception.  As she was leaving, she noticed 2 long lines had formed to the front of the church which she believed to be the way to the reception.  A priest came to her and ask her to please wait that these 2 long lines were people waiting to get her autograph.  This was as much a shock as forgetting her reference cue cards.

   The cards that were to carry her through were not carried TO the event.  What carried her were the prayers of the people and her Faith and Trust in the Lord.

   This is a true story!  I know because as you may have already guessed, I was that lady.  My subject was,

How a staunch Protestant became the typist of a well-known Roman Catholic Priest, Thomas Merton.   He  had died many years before I gave my talk but I'm sure his spirit was there listening as well.   PRAISE THE LORD.     HE DOES HEAR OUR PRAYERS! 

        Mary Anna