A highlight of my life as a bishop

I had a very striking experience concerning the Virgin Mary in 1980, just after my episcopal ordination for the diocese of Itapeva (Brazil). It made me see how Mary has been present in my mission as pastor of the Church.

I was ordained a bishop on May 31, 1980. The next day a procession of cars accompanied me for my installation at the bishop's palace. The whole population watched us drive by. Unfortunately, a little girl crossed the road and was hit by a car. She was taken to the hospital in Itapeva, where I went to see her. We were all in shock. I turned to Our Lady: "O my Mother, do not let the beginning of my office as bishop be darkened by this accident."

The next day, my first visit was to the hospital. The doctor said, "You can be at peace, the child is out of danger." I thanked Our Lady for I felt her presence strongly at this very significant moment of my episcopal life.

Twenty-five years later, I was invited to celebrate a Mass in Itapeva, which was no longer my diocese. A couple with two children came to see me. The woman introduced herself: "I am that girl who was hit by a car on the day of your installation!"

Bishop Fernando Legal

Bishop Emeritus of São Miguel Paulista (Brazil)

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