Do I tell??

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sixofseven

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Hi,

My non-Catholic BIL and his wife are having a lot of trouble conceiving and bringing to term - at least two miscarriages already.

I would like to start a devotion to St Gianna and St Gerard to intercede for them.

My question is should I tell them that’s what I’m doing? I would like to think that if they receive a miracle, they may recognise the intercession of saints and who knows from there…

I pray for all my in-laws conversion, including my husband, just about everyday. But I’m just wondering, should I just sit back in silence and let God do the work and be happy with that?

It’s not that I want any personal recognition from them but I do want them to recognise the power of the intercession of saints…

Thoughts?
 
There is a reason that Christ told us to go into our closet when we pray.

Keep this between you and the Saints and God.
 
Most definitely let them know that you are praying for them. The next time the subject comes up, just listen and pray silently, then let them know that they are in your prayers.

As to telling them about the saints, you know them better than I do. If you get the feeling that they would be insulted or negative, don’t mention them. If you get a chance and feel that they are receptive, mention it.

As an example from my life, I have a friend who loves God very much. She is not Catholic, but Protestant. We have had many discussions over the years about our faith and the difference in our beliefs. When she called me with a problem, I told her that we Catholics are lucky because we have the examples of the heroic lives of the saints and told her the story of a saint who was mildly relevant to her situation. Then I said that we know their prayers are effective because they are currently standing before the throne. She knew what I was talking about and knew that it would be OK with me if she completely disregarded what I said. But I have never told her that I was asking any particular saint to intercede on her behalf.
 
I think telling someone that you’re praying for them is a wonderful and easy way to bear witness to your faith. You could even give a St. Gerard medal or prayer card to your SIL. Even if she doesn’t share your faith, a good person should at least appreciate someone’s good intentions and prayers.
 
Certainly I would! I would share the news of your novena with them with a joyful and hopeful attitude.
 
Thanks everyone. I think I will pray about it. I want to be a good Catholic witness to them but I also don’t want to be in their face.

I think if the opportunity comes up I might say something but otherwise keep it on the down low.

Maybe I might jsut tell my husband what I am doing…
 
I’d pray for them privately unless they confide in you about their troubles. That would be then be the right time to tell them they are in your prayers.
 
When dealing with non-believing family and friends, there is a HUGE difference between saying “I love you and you are always in my prayers” and “I’m praying a novena to St Gianna and St Gerard that you will get pregnant and have a baby!”

With the first, you are seen as a kind, loving friend.

With the second, non-believers can see you as a crazy religious kook at best and twist it to blame God at worst.

Say “I am praying for you”, then in private pray novenas and light candles and have masses said. Should God grant them a miracle, then is time to tell them “I have been asking St Gianna and St Gerard…” etc.
 
when the topic comes up (don’t volunteer out of the blue) just say, I am praying for you, and continue your devotions. If the happy event should occur you may quietly give your congratulations, and say I have been praying to St. Gerard for 5 years for this, and I am so happy for you. let them take it or leave it. If the saint wants to reveal his part to them he will do so.
 
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