In a remarkable event, Rev. Juan Manuel Gutierrez experienced a miraculous recovery from a severe injury, leading Pope Francis to approve the canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Raw Story reported.

Rev. Juan Manuel Gutierrez, a priest in California, suffered a significant injury while engaging in a common recreational activity. He tore his Achilles tendon during a game of basketball, which initially seemed less severe, as emergency room doctors thought he merely had a pulled muscle.

Further medical evaluations contradicted the initial diagnosis. An MRI scan later confirmed the severity of Rev. Gutierrez's condition, showing a torn Achilles tendon, which typically requires surgery to heal properly.

Priest Turns to Blessed Frassati in Time of Need

As he faced the prospect of a long recovery and surgical intervention, Rev. Gutierrez sought spiritual aid. He prayed to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian Catholic who died nearly a century ago and was known for his piety and charity.

During a moment of prayer in a quiet chapel, Rev. Gutierrez had an inexplicable experience. "Along the days of my novena, one day I went to the chapel when nobody was there. I was praying, and I started to feel a sensation of heat around the area of my injury," he remarked. This moment was profound and marked the beginning of his unusual recovery.

Feeling a new sense of wellness, Rev. Gutierrez soon realized that he no longer required the braces that were aiding his mobility. "From that day on I just never thought about my injury again. I stopped wearing braces, I just didn’t feel I needed them," he explained, illustrating the sudden and unexplained nature of his healing.

Medical Community Baffled by Recovery

The developments following Rev. Gutierrez's chapel experience were nothing short of astonishing. Upon a follow-up visit, his surgeon found no trace of the previously diagnosed tear. This absence of the injury was perplexing, as it defied medical explanation, leaving healthcare professionals at a loss.

Archbishop Jose Gomez of California commented on the situation, highlighting the unusual nature of the recovery. "His doctors could not explain it. Of course, miracle is a word that gets overused in our culture and it is not well understood," he stated.

The inexplicable healing caught the attention of the Vatican, which rigorously investigates claims of miracles. After thorough consideration, this particular healing was formally recognized as a miracle attributed to the intercession of Frassati.

Frassati's Legacy Leads to Sainthood

The Vatican last month announced that Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati would be canonized, thanks to the miraculous event involving Rev. Gutierrez. Frassati, who was beatified in the 1980s, has been venerated for his deep spiritual life and commitment to the poor.

Pope Francis's approval marks a significant development in the Catholic Church, emphasizing the importance of faith and the impact of the saints in the lives of the faithful. "After a long time, the Vatican has finally accepted this as the miracle that will lead to the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati," said Rev. Gutierrez, expressing relief and joy over the Vatican's decision.

The formal canonization ceremony for Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is scheduled for August 2025, a long-awaited event that will celebrate his virtues and the undeniable miracle that occurred in California. This declaration not only reinforces the spiritual legacy of Frassati but also showcases the profound impact of faith and divine intervention in contemporary times.