Happiness on the Isle of Capri
By Father Jonathan Morris
FOX News Religion Contributor
From a distance and from up close too, this island is paradise. Page Six of the local newspaper announces the arrival of the celebrity-of-the-day. Capri is still the unrivaled European meeting point of the rich, famous and the not-so-happy.
Our little fishing boat weaves its way unnoticed through a graveyard of private yachts, each a little larger and more exquisite then the next, with the only signs of on-board life being the flags of origin flapping in the ocean breeze and personal security crews keeping the curious at bay.
In less than 30 minutes we make a full circle of the island and disembark at Marina Grande. The locals greet us with catchy phrases of English, then French, Spanish and German. They point to their topless white limousines taxis. They all boast the best tour, the best food, for the best, unspecified price.
We thank them kindly, find a local orange bus and head for the mountains. As I squirm to find wiggle room and lean toward an open window for fresh air, I remember my days in Latin America. But here the streets are lined not with chickens and cardboard huts, but with boutique shops of Prada, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Gucci and the like.
The last stop on the bus line is still tourist central. Pretty faces, hidden mostly by oversized Mary-Kate Olsen sunglasses, can be seen toting bags of merchandise and dashing in and out of yacht-dweller destinations.
A kind man in overalls, leaning against a wall, points us in the direction of our hiking trails. I am looking forward to the sounds of so many peddlers hawking their trinkets giving way to the chirping of birds. We aren’t out of the fray just yet, but we are close.
Then I see her.
Hunched over and standing as tall as she could at 4 feet, 1 inch, she is just doing her thing — what she surely does every day, unnoticed and unimportant to the swirling commercial activity of this island paradise. For a few long seconds I watch, I gawk. What a smile! And could that really be her child?
Here is a woman so severely handicapped she could be in a home for the invalid. Instead, she is maneuvering herself, not so graciously, with mini-crutches, up and down steps of the steep inclines of Capri, in pursuit of a little child, as any mother would.
Two days later, I can’t get my mind off Capri. It’s not the natural beauty of its aquatic caves or awesome precipices. It’s not the yachts, restaurants, or even the quiet hiking trails I loved so much.
It’s the smiling woman. I must go back and tell her story.
I’ve convinced one of my students to come along. At the port, we ask for the cheapest ferry tickets from Sorrento to Capri. Even as we prepare to leave, I’m fighting skepticism and keeping obvious doubts mostly to myself. But I can’t help but wonder if the smiling woman even lives on the island. Chances are she was a tourist and is now long gone. Even if she is one of the 12,000 island residents, I don’t know her name and I don’t know where she lives.
I do remember when and where I saw her. We’re start there, I suppose.
The ferry will be full. As we prepare to board, I notice a middle-aged woman who stands out from the rest as confident in her ways. Well-dressed and elegant, if she weren’t so fair-skinned I would think she was a local.
There she is again at the front of the line as we scurry to disembark at the ferry’s hull. Ten minutes later I find her again waiting for the infamous orange bus where we will probably fight for the same wiggle space and for air from an open window. Baffled by the strange coincidence of our constantly crossing paths, I thought to give it a try:
“Signora, if you don’t mind, I have a rather strange question. I was here in Capri the other day and saw a woman with a great smile. I want to find her and ask her why she is so happy. You look like you know your way around. Would you help me find her?”
“I am not from Capri, but have lived here for many years,” she said, in perfect Italian. “Who is this woman you look for?”
“I don’t know her name. I’ve never talked to her. I only saw her for a brief moment. I just know she has great difficulty walking and she takes care of a small child.”
A few more questions and answers and I realize we may have found a guardian angel.
“We’ll talk more when we get off the bus,” she says in a discreet voice.
Maria accompanies us past tourist central and through the long and winding streets of the residential areas. “I think you are talking about Lucia. Yes, indeed, you noticed a very courageous and special woman and people need to know her story. Follow me.”
We arrive to a small gate and my new co-conspirator requests entrance through the intercom. “Lucia, it’s your neighbor Maria, the wife of…” The gate buzzed and at Maria’s prodding, the three of us walk in.
There she is. I nodded to Maria to confirm it was most definitely the woman with a smile. Clutching her two mini-crutches, Lucia, came out to greet us, a bit baffled by our mid-afternoon visit.
After a brief, rather uncomfortable introduction, we sat down and conversed over a plate of homemade cake. For over an hour we talked about her life, her physical handicaps and her smile. What follows are some very simple jewels of wisdom from a very simple woman who has found very simple and profound happiness on an island where nothing is simple at all.
First some pictures, then a window into our dialogue, as best I remember:
Photo 1: Our guardian angel, Maria, waits for Lucia to open the gate
Photo 2: Lucia comes out to greet us
Photo 3: Lucia offers us homemade cake
Photo 4: Lucia's daughter, Neome
Photo 5: Lucia walking outdoors to take care of little Neome
Photo 6: Lucia, Neome and Grandma
Photo 7: Lucia, Neome and Father Jonathan
Photo 8: Lucia, Neome, Father Jonathan and Maria
Photo 9: The long path (2 kilometers) along which Lucia was carried to school everyday by her mother and two brothers
Photo 10: View of the town of Capri
Father Jonathan: Lucia, you were born with severe disabilities and have had more than 10 major operations and still you wear a smile. Why?
Lucia: I don’t know. I don’t think it’s anything special, I mean, my disabilities. I learned to see it as normal since I was a little girl. I did everything everyone else did. I even went out at night with friends, even as a teenager and it was normal.
Father Jonathan: How did you get around?
Lucia: They carried me for a long time, especially my two older brothers. Then, when I was 18 years old, the local priest and some people from the church arrived at my door with an electric wheelchair. So things got better.
Father Jonathan: But, Lucia, you say your attitude is normal, but it’s not. Wasn’t there a moment you had a personal crisis and rebelled against what life brought you? Some people in your situation do.
Lucia: Yes, I know, some people respond differently. The father of my daughter, for example. He too was handicapped. He hated life and didn’t even want to see his daughter and so he left. But I think it is better not to lament one’s situation and just to confront it and accept it. Then it’s simple.
Father Jonathan: What exactly is the difference between the two perspectives?
Lucia: The person who laments, is the center of his own world.
Father Jonathan: You live on an island of paradise, where you see people every day who have the best of everything this world offers, including health. Do you every wonder why you are so happy and some of them are not?
Lucia: Perhaps people without my challenges perceive all the little difficulties of life as big difficulties. For me, nothing is big. They are all just little problems.
Father Jonathan: You chose to have a baby. The doctors said it was too dangerous for you to have the baby.
Lucia: Yes, and because there was not enough space inside of me for my baby, I had to lie on my back for seven months. Then I had to go to a specialized hospital in the north of Italy to give birth. My baby is the best thing that ever happened to me. And it’s funny, I remember the woman next to me at the hospital. After her baby was born, she was crying all the time. I didn’t know why. Then she told me she was upset because she didn’t like her baby’s nose, it was too big. Can you believe it?! That’s why people aren’t happy. Silliness.
Father Jonathan: You say you sometimes go into the church to pray, what do you talk to God about? Do you ask him for a miracle?
Lucia: No, I thank him for all the people around me. For my mother and my brothers. I don’t ask for a miracle, I only ask that things don’t get worse, so I can keep going on.
After speaking with Lucia, I spoke with her mother, the grandma of baby Neome. This strong and gracious woman explained to me that for many years she cried every day over the woes of her handicapped daughter, even in public. People told her she would surely die young of sadness.
“But, signora, you look so happy now,” I said.
“Yes,” she replied, in a linguistic mix of Italian and Napolitano dialect, “because one day someone asked me why I was so sad even while my daughter Lucia, in all of her suffering, was always so happy. I looked at my daughter and learned from her how to be happy.”
I hope Lucia Diana’s story helps you as much as it has helped me.
God bless,
Father Jonathan
Tags: faith, Father Jonathan Morris
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Excellent piece, Father. As always, very insightful.
What a blessing to read about someone I would think less fortunate than I only to discover she has found the secret of happiness. Praise God for the blessings you have instead of complaining about what you don’t have.
Thank you, Father, for sharing this story with me.
Thanks for sharing this neat story. It is amazing how someone who is so handicapped can make such a difference in people’s lives. The only thing that she is doing is living her life with joy. Not going on the Oprah show to raise awareness about her suffering.
Isle of Capri-I thought that you were talking about the gambling casino; I had no idea that there was a real place with this name.
WARNING BAD JOKE: Can you imagine how brave all of the people who hate Bush who can still manage to smile during the last eight years? Do you think Republicans can find joy if Obama is elected President?
What a beautiful story!
Thank you, Father Jonathan, for giving us a glimpse of paradise, through both Lucia’s story and your pictures!
Wow! Great story, what an awesome example Lucia is for me!
I couldn’t help but notice that your article started out by pointing out the riches of most visitors to the Isle of Capri, calling our attention to the famous brand names, such as Prada, Armani, Versace, Gucci, etc. I think it would behoove you to remember that Pope Benedict wears designer shoes from some of these designers, and his robes as well.
Zilana, thanks for your note. I can understand your concern. But don’t believe all the gossip stories you read. The red shoes are not made by “Prada” or any other designer company, as many irresponsible journalists have reported. And you can be sure the color has nothing to do with Benedict’s stylistic choices. Who would want to wear red shoes!! As has been recently explained publicly, they are meant to be a visible sign of the historical connection from one pope to the next, in this particular case, a connection to when the popes used to wear all red garments, rather than the white ones popes use now.
Father Jonathan
Father Jonathan,
Thank you for such a great story. Lucia “gets it” so much better than most, what is important in life! This is one of the stories that make me think and re-evaluate my priorities. I’ll read every gem like this one that you can write.
It sounds like you made a wonderful friend. I envy your visit with her.
pastor jonathon, i was going to ask you why you didnt lay hands on her and pray that God would heal her, because Jesus said greater things we would do because he goes to the Father, that we would heal the sick, the lame, the blind, that even the dead would be raised, but, i’ve been in situations where i didnt have the boldness or courage to step out in faith and lay hands on a certain person, but i do appreciate your kindness and compassion to seek her out. God Bless you pastor
Thanks for this — I hope you meet more people like Lucia and share them (and their secrets to happiness) with us!
I admire how you can look at the same things we see and take for granted but you see the beauty in it and give us a more inside look and understanding of things. Even when we try to tell ourselves we’re not that shallow than I read your story about this wonderful person with a wonderful family and realize that person is blissfully and graciously than people who just bought their new car or house. It is a very good story and thank you for sharing with us. Enjoy the pictures.
Enjoyed your story and pictures. Thank you for sharing with us.
Dear Father Jonathan,
Thank you so very much for going back to find Lucia, and to write about her! What an inspiration for us all!
Take care, and have a great day!
Father - I really believe that the Lucia’s of this world are not in need of us, but it is we rather — we are in need of the Lucia’s. It’s just another one of life’s mysterious paradoxes. The abled need the disabled. The healthy need the sick. The rich need the poor. Lucia and all those in our lives who have disabilities are the Beatitudes in human form. We need them so desperately in our lives.
The paradox is almost comical the more you think about it. When we ‘healthy’ people help someone who is in need of our assistance because they are disabled, or poor, the truth is — we need them: they are giving to us, not the other way around. By all appearances, it looks as if we are helping the Lucia’s to carry her groceries, or to fix something in her house, but the deeper reality is that they are helping us. We receive such a precious gift from them.
Here’s another paradox in the same vein: Today I saw a young, attractive woman driving a beautiful new sporty Mercedes. Yet as she drove by the one thing I noticied above all was her facial expression. It certainly was anything but happy. It was almost a combination of mean and unhappy.
If I were an alien from outer space who arrived here a week ago, by simple observation I would come to this conclusion: that wealth, and beauty, a nice car, a big house, strength, are all terribly unhappy things — they should be avoided, because these people are unhappy. On the other hand, disability, lacking, meekness, giving, are all things which every human should desire, because these people are happy.
Matt, thanks for telling us of your own experience today of seeing someone who seemed to have it all…but who still wasn’t happy. Certainly some very successful people are not very happy.
Nonetheless, I was thinking today of how easy it is to overspiritualize some things and make sweeping generalizations like, “therefore, wealth is bad” or “money can never make us happy.” I think this reubuttal is fair: if money doesn’t make us happy, why do we all work so hard for it? Or in another form: maybe money doesn’t make us happy, but try living without it for a few months!
In other words, I think there must be balance. No, money ITSELF can’t make us FULLY happy, and in fact, the LOVE of money can destroy us. But if we use money in a responsibile and moderate way, it can be a blessing in our lives, and in the lives of others whom we can help.
Father Jonathan
I KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT PEOPLE LIKE LUCIA LIKE MY SON WHO WAS BORN 3 MONTHS PREMATURE AND HAS MILD CEREBRAL PALSEY. HE IS FINISHING A PHD AND HAS BEEN TRAVELED ALL OVER. HE DOESN’T COMPLAIN BUT KEEPS ON GOING.GOD BLESS LUCIA AND SO MANY OTHERS THAT MAKE OUR SILLY COMPLAINTS JUST THAT- SILLY!
Father,
Thank you for sharing this woman’s story. In all of my travels, what I usually remember most is the people that I meet. In a world where darkness usually prevails, Lucia’s life is a light that shows us the best of our Lord’s highest creation.
In all of your travels Father -
24The LORD bless you and keep you; 25the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
This is a very timely story for me… wow. Thank you so much for sharing Lucia’s story. Don’t get me wrong.. it makes me really feel guilty about lamenting some of the things that have been happening in our lives ever since my husband and I decided to start our own ministry. We try to remember that when we’re struggling to be right with God, things will come against us. Tests of the Spirit are trying and painful sometimes.
Just when I’m feeling beaten down, useless and pathetic… along comes the hand of God in the form of a joyful, disabled woman, living a world away, to smack me upside my fallible, mortal head.
God truly works in strange and mysterious ways.
Fr. Jonathan: Gratzie! A wonderful thing you did in taking us away from politics and our small problems to see and understand the wonderful heart and trust in God thatLucia must have. Bless her for sharing her kife w/us through you. Peace….T
Thank you, Father Jonathan, for taking the time to track down Lucia, write her story and share the pictures. Very inspiring and convicting!
Thank you, for this beautiful story and sharing this beautiful person with us. She is an inspiration. I once saw a man with no hands or arms play the guitar with his feet better than I could dream of doing myself, and with so much joy and enthusiasm, it change my perspective on life. After so many years this has rekindled that. Thanks again.
Father Jonathan, I appreciate the fact you returned to find this incredible strong woman to share her story. I have mingled with the others and got to know them, and watching them makes me often smile as well. Where my cup runneth over from God’s blessings, many of them walk and shop without purpose in their lives. In general people look at them as having everything, money, looks, yachts, limo’s, million dollar homes etc., while in fact they have nothing and feel alone and always in pursuit of something that will make them truly happy. These people need Jesus as well in their lives but it is much more difficult for them to accept Christ. This young woman is blessed as the Lord is using her for others to draw strength from. I remember a few years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer, after major surgery I was taken back to my room. That night I was in so much pain I yelled “Jesus, please come take me home”. Nurses rushed to my room and a gentlemen next to my room started praying with a very deep voice and loud, asking God to relieve his brother in Christ from the pain.
Claiming God’s promises from scripture, yes I also received more morphine and such to reduce the immediate pain and I was given something to sleep. Early in the morning I asked my doctor if they could roll my bed next door so I could meet and thank the gentlemen who was praying for me.
But I was informed that he passed away in the night. I have learned not to pray for me but for others who need God’s blessings. Chemo and radiation have left me with some minor problems but it reminds of St. Paul when the Lord told him “My grace is sufficient”. This young lady will be on my prayer list, don’t be surprised next time you see her she will be doing much better. God Bless.
Dear Father Jonathan. I woke up this morning feeling sorry for myself. After reading your story about Lucia, I feel joy, just simply, joy. “The person who laments is the center of his own world.” So much to ponder. I want to begin the day noticing the Lucias around me…….and maybe even allowing my smile to bless someone as Lucia’s did you.
Little Neome’s face is beaming with life and joy as well. When I think of the sacrifices that Lucia made for her daughter that she might have life, I am even more moved by the very life so well lived by Lucia. I so wish that Neome’s father could be blessed by his daughter’s life. It would make his days of suffering so sweet to be loved by such a precious little one.
Maria taking the time to bring you and your student to find Lucia and visiting with all of you was also an important part of the story. A good example for all of us: to go out of our way for strangers.
Thank you for going back and looking for the “unknown smile”, Father Jonathan. This to me is as important as the actual story about Lucia. I guess it reminds me a lot of how deeply God loves each one of us….no matter how hidden we are, how seemingly unimportant we are.
Father Jonathan, you have surely been chosen to tell these stories! Lucia you are a beautiful soul and also surely chosen to share your story, which you have by example! Talk about your garden! I believe we are all given a garden to tend, that little plot of space on earth that we call home. The Isle of Capri would not be as beautifully tended if Lucia and her Mother and baby were not living there!
Thank you Father Jonathan because my attitude needed adjusting just this day! Let me share with you what I see when I look outdoors. Both the front yard and the backyard here in upstate New York are also beautiful! The brilliant sunshine showcases such green grass and highlights myriad maple leaves that reach for the blueberry blue sky! The flowers range in all colors of the spectrum and the people passing by, well, indeed they are smiling and waving too! Several folks offer early morning walks to their dogs and even the dogs seem to have a lilt going on with their perky steps today! It is a gloriously cool morning with low humidity, a direct gift from God, and boy am I ever inspired to take on the day!
Many thanks!
Lucia: “The person who laments, is the center of his own world.”
Definitely a quote to remember. Thank you!
This story should have been added to your lovely book “The Promise” (Which I highly recommend)
What a beautiful story, Father Jonathan. Thank you so much giving us a wonderful example of how to find the happiness and blessings of life, even through the times of trial and suffering. I have been blessed to travel on mission trips to Third World countries, and I am always amazed at how much happier the people are there than in our own country of so many blessings. Perhaps we need to learn how to appreciate the little blessings in our lives - which are really the biggest blessings of all.
Thank you, Lucia. I will try not to be the center of my own world, today.
Father Jonathan,
Thank you for such an inspirational story. It has really started my work day on a good note. You are brilliant. Keep doing what you do, and may God continue to bless you.
(Oh, and I finally was able to purchase your book. I’m only on chapter one, but so far, so good.)
(I don’t think my first message went through, so here I type again.)
Father Jonathan,
Thank you for this inspirational story. It has started my work day on a more positive note. May God bless Lucia and her family.
Also, I’d like to say thank you for your book. I’m only on chapter one, but it’s already been thought provoking.
May God continue to bless you, Father!
Boy did I need this today! Beautiful story told in a beautiful way. Thank God for it and for you pursuing and sharing it.
Thank you for sharing Lucia’s story and the pictures, I hope you are enjoying your vacation.
Having spent several enjoyable days and weekends on Capri when I was stationed at NAS Naples in the mid 1980’s I enjoyed the article. I do remember the Neopolitains tended to “hide” those with these disabilities to prevent them from being started at. Lucia is indeed a brave lady in many ways.
Thank you, Father, for having the vision to find this beautiful person and tell her story. What a wonderful start to my day.
Fr. Jonathan,
Thank you for writing this article. You have shared with us a blessing from God. What a beautiful story and a reminder of how much we all have in this world through people like Lucia.
By the way, I’ve recently discovered your column and have been sharing you with my Catholic friends and family. I enjoy your columns and the way you challenge me to think. Thank you and blessings to you.
This is a poignantly simple and beautiful story filled with hope & joy. Thanks for sharing.
p.s. Any blog where a priest uses the phrase “Mary-Kate Olsen sunglasses” is pretty darn spiffy. (not like this blog wasn’t cool to begin with, but I literally laughed out loud when I read that)
God bless you, Fr. Jonathan!
Kristan, glad you liked the reference! I wasn’t sure how many people would know what I was talking about!
Father Jonathan
I have been to the Isle of Capri-it is beautiful-breathtaking!
God works in mysterious ways, the things of this world that glitter and seem attractive to us are not the things that will last -seen through the eyes of eternity-
Thank’s for sharing this inspiring story
PS Lets not forget to pray even for the “have’s” of this world
God bless
What a beautiful women! This story is so wonderful, thank you for sharing!
I have read with interest, Father Jonathan, your story from the Isle of Capri. It is one of my favorite places on this earth, and I am gratified to learn that you have found a story on this fabled Isle that cuts through the hype, and gets at the essence of what life is all about. There is much on Capri that is beyond the hype, if only one looks for it. You have found one prime example of this. It has made my day!
Incidentally, I am reading your book, “The Promise,” and have found it possesses nuggets of wisdom that speak to my heart.
Thank you for your work and your words. Many Blessings!
Annette
Dear Father Jonathan, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful and uplifting story. God bless Lucia and her positive attitude! Life is what we make of it.
Have a blessed day.
Wow, what a piece, Father Jonathan! It is very insightful and definately made a difference to me. Thank you for taking the time to meet this lovely woman and share her story.
Zilana, just a friendly correction — the Pope does not wear designer clothes, and its an urban myth that he wears Prada shoes. In addition, his clothes, while ornate in nature, all have rather deep Christian and liturgical significance, as do the clothes of the Cardinals and other clergy. Here is an article that sets the facts about the Papal threads straight:
http://www.theage.com.au/world/popes-sole-the-work-of-christ-not-prada–see-20080705-329s.html
Lucia and her family are in my prayers!
Ahh, Ana Capri. I too have had a ride on the orange bus, crowded, up the narrow winding road. I too saw the sandal makers and the perfumarias. I trust you did not have any Limoncello…. I almost want to say I saw here when I was there–Lucia. I was stationed at Naval Hospital Naples during 1996 and 1997. Bella Napoli. I will never forget Italy, as the people there impressed me as focused on the important things of life and not all the superficial things like Americans are. Have you taken the little boat from the port and been into the Blue Grotto Father? You should. It’s magnificent!! Also toured the Vatican, Venice several times, hiked Vesuvio, and toured Pompei, and took a class in Sicily. My time in Italy is the fondest of my memories in all my life of 52 years.
Nurse Nina
Wow…that’s deep stuff.
Thank you so much for this article, Father. I have saved this as a reminder to myself when I retreat into my own world. Such an inspiring story and certainly an humbling read. That child is absolutely the prettiest child I have ever seen. People like her serve as inspiration to us all.
Thank you so much for your capacity to see and appreciate what other’s would have so easily overlooked, and to go back to talk to her. She is truly one special, special lady.
Wunjo- the joy that is chosen. This woman has learned that lesson well. It is a lesson we all need to be reminded of every now and again. Thank you.
Father,
Thanks for the story. Like some of the others, it was very timely for me as well. It was very touching. That fact that you returned to meet this woman should be an inspriation to us all. We all pass a person from time to time who maybe we can help, but before we know it, we are well past them on our daily journey and almost never take the time to turn back.
One other thing - this article has brought out almost unanimous positive responses. We all need that break from politics from time to time. Well done.
Steve
Cool!
Lucia, if I may steal (borrow) a term from your colleague, Susan Estrich, is a Gem. She’s not odd really, or un-ordinary compared to the disabled I’ve known over the years - which is to say they’ve all tended to be Gems, not tarnish her luster.
Some have mentioned inevitably, healing, & of prayers to be healed. I’d dare say, Father Jonathon, that you probably came very close to insulting Lucia, when you asked her about praying for a miracle - from someone not as obviously kind as yourself, Father Jonathon, it could have been insulting indeed. There is so much more that others need, the closest thing I can compare it to is a long-term gambler selfishly praying for a win at the race track. Lucia spoke for so many when she simply said: “…I only ask that things don’t get worse, so I can keep going on.”
If that sounds odd, trust me, it isn’t. It’s not that the disabled frown at the thought of becoming physically or mentally better - but rather we look on our disability much as Lucia commented on the newborn’s big nose… the way other people look at it is very often silliness! The same could be said (no offense intended to anyone) of the trappings of wealth you wrote about. The words to a Joplin tune pop into my head: “Freedom’s just another word, for nothing left to lose”… If you come to accept your disability - and most do, unlike Neome’s father - what’s truly the most important comes, almost jumps into focus so much easier.
But, apologies… you already knew all that, Father Jonathon. Thanks very much for throwing the spotlight on Lucia & her family. I’m very glad she saw your kindness and talked to you - I think that she would have felt that spotlight silliness too.
Thanks & God Bless
I feel sad for Neome’s father. He really short-changed himself…he could have finally learned not to focus on his own situation by being a real dad to that happy, little girl. Neome obviously doesn’t care that her mother is different from most other folks, and in the love of that child, which is an expression of God’s love, he could have finally been the rael man he’d always wanted to be, but, no… How sad for him, nonetheless, I’m happy for Lucia, Neome and Grandma that they have their joy in life.
A wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it. We all need to remember that most of our nagging anxious producing ‘problems,’ are actually very little things not worth the time and energy we waste on them. Thanks for the reminder. It’s so easy to get caught up in our stuff and forget this fact.
I have seen the less glamorous and understated side of Capri as well. I was aboard a navy ship with a US Marine unit in 1997. I took a “Jet Ferry” from Naples to Capri. I found a little out of the way cafe for a light repast. Then I hiked up the hills, along the vineyards that line the islands. I toured the ruins of emperor Tiberius and reflected at the little Catholic chapel that adorns the top of the island. It was dedicated by Pope John Paul II in 1979. This woman Lucia is an inspiration and reminds us how much we have been blessed.
Father Jonathan:
You nailed it with that one! I am sending your blog to somebody who is struggling with her health a bit, and not reacting the same way as Lucia. Divine intervention: perhaps?
Tom Ash
Sacramento, CA
Thank you, Father Jonathan, for sharing Lucia’s story with us. She is a brave and beautiful woman who helps lift up the entire human race. Thank God for people such as yourself and Lucia.
What a lovely story! Thank you for sharing it. What a great example of how we all should live!
I have a severely disabled daughter and her attitude concerning her condition never holds her back from experienceing a good, full and happy life.
Fr Jonathan that is such a wonderful story. And in the middle was a very important observation that people who lament are in the center of their own world?
Biblically we are told to love God with all your heart and to love others as yourself. Its easy to say but SO difficult to carry out
And isnt it that the saying is NOT “money is the root of all evil”, thats a misquote, but instead “the LOVE of money is the root of all evil”?
Lucia may not have alot of money but she is rich with important things
The soul, the spirit is by far radiant that the flrsh could ever be perhaps because of her immortality. As I sit here and drink my beer, smoking my pipe, listening to 3doors down, I am thinking of a woman I have never even met. I think of all the times I wanted to give up and quit life. I wasnt born handcapped, I was born a big time sinner. Knowledge of my life without the proper procedures provided by the church, led me to dispair. I hated myself as a fully capable human being, who was capable of so much good, yet devoted himself to his own self finding. Through the ministry and teachings of the Church, I have found pardon and peace, as I am corrected. I am not the helpless, yet when the Day comes, neither shall any one. Papa J. you saw the smile of Christ when you sought this woman out. The kosher thing is she retains her mental abilities amidst her physical downtroddens. She has a soul! And………she is more normal than most people strive to be…
That is Spirit… Failte!!!
Thank you once again, Father, for reminding us of what reaaly matters in life.
Our Encounter team’s weekly resolution: Cheerfulness when things don’t go a planned.
Fr. Jonathan,
Thanks so much for this story, Lucia is and should be a great source of inspiration for us all. I hope to remember her story the next time I’m griping about a touch of arthritis or aches and pains of the day. It’s been over 40 years since I visited Capri, during a port call to Naples while in the USN. I recall a quite amazing place, but that pales compared to the beauty of Lucia.
DW
Thanks Fr. Jonathan, this is my favorite piece that you’ve written! I’m kind of jealous that you guys were in Capri, but I’ll have to keep Lucia’s advice in mind and stop lamenting and be thankful for my life
Isn’t it funny how people we don’t know, or don’t know well, can make a positive impact on our lives and teach us gratitude, and yet sadly, Lucia’s mate was unable to learn these lessons from her and take comfort in this spirited and courageous woman.
Great and beautiful story, Father! Thank you for sharing! Thanks also for your accurate comments to Zilana; they are not only educative, but they also serve as a notice that we need to do our research before spouting off incorrectly on things.
Thank you Father Jonathan for this article. You write of one who is such an inspiration to everyone. No matter what life deals you, you can still live it to the fullest. A true example of what a positive outlook can do for ones life. The true way to happiness is not through fame and fortune, but through seeing the good in the things around you. Again, thank you for this brief encounter with a truly amazing woman.
Nice story.
I looked for a Priest in the photos but didn’t see one. Priests wear clerics and are Priests 24/7 since theirs is a vocation, not a job you can vacation from. An old fashioned notion, I guess.
Father Jonathan:
Thank you for publicizing this very inspiring story. people really do need to learn about the simple things in life that we all take for granted and to thank God for all of our blessings that he has bestowed upon us no matter how small or trivial we think they may be.
I found it very uplifting and enjoyed her answer greatly when you asked her if she prays for a miracle and she said that she just asks that God does not make it worse. Thank you again for taking the time to find out about this inspiring lady and her family.
We need more stories like this so people all around the world can hopefully some day truly appreciate all of lifes blessings and enjoy all of God’s miracles that are all around us.
Kirk Cullen
Lucia’s name and it’s meaning defines the truth of her life, and her life reflects the true “light” of happiness, and it shines so much brighter than the temporal happiness of the materialism around her. Thank you God for Lucia’s light and for Fr. Jonathan’s mission to spread the light.