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A Maltese man fighting to recover from a serious injury has found himself on the receiving end of widespread public support after he asked for a miracle to happen.
Cesco Nicotra has been battling a painful back injury that left him semi-paralysed and in a wheelchair for months.
As he continues his journey to recover, he asked the public for their dedicated prayers while turning to the famous Virgin Mary of ta’ Pinu in Gozo to give him further strength.
“I ask that you pray for me, my friends, so that a miracle happens to me, and maybe Madonna ta’ Pinu gives me the strength I need to stand up on my own two feet. I’m dealing with an injury that left half my body paralysed and I need prayers so that by God’s mercy the nerves in my back are healed and I start to get better,” Nicotra said on social media alongside a current image of himself.
“Madonna, keep your watch over me and anyone going through a similar illness and may you bring courage to those who take care of us and our loved ones – thank you friends,” he ended.
His request was quickly answered, with his post receiving over 3,600 reactions, over 2,000 comments and over 400 shares within hours.
Thousands of people couldn’t help but show support to the Maltese youth, with many from Malta and Gozo and even abroad sharing a prayer for Nicotra.
Many people recounted their own physical injuries, and shared how prayer helped them overcome the scarier moments.
“Stay strong!” one person said. “God’s mercy is great, believe in him – four years ago I went through a similar experience, but the Virgin Mary is always near patients to fight for them.”
The Ta’ Pinu Basilica, in Għarb, Gozo, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Ta’ Pinu, with many religious devotees believing there’s a strong connection between the holy figure and miracles and medical changes for the better. The Basilica itself is full of pictures, items and stories from around the world of people recovering from various serious injuries and diseases after praying to the dedicated Virgin Mary.