SHE REGAINED HER SIGHT

In Vinovo, a village not far from Turin, Italy, a young woman named Maria Stardero had the misfortune of losing her sight completely.

Wishing to regain it, she went to visit Saint John Bosco, who was then building the magnificent Church of Mary Help of Christians with the alms donated by the people of Turin. After praying before an image of Our Lady, the young woman spoke with Saint John Bosco, who asked her:

— Have you been blind for a long time?

— Yes, a very long time; I have not been able to see anything for a year.

— Have you consulted doctors?

— Ah, Father! They no longer know what to prescribe for me.

— Can you distinguish large objects from small ones?

— No; as I said, I cannot see anything at all.

— But can you not see the light coming through this window?

— No, sir; nothing at all.

— Would you like to regain your sight?

— Father, I am poor, and I need my sight to earn my living.

— Will you use your sight for the good of your soul and not to offend God?

— I sincerely promise.

— Then place your trust in Our Lady and Saint Joseph.

And Don Bosco added in a solemn tone:

— For the glory of God, of the Most Blessed Virgin, and of Saint Joseph, tell me: what am I holding in my hand?

The young woman opened her eyes, which had previously been unable to see anything, and said:

— A medal of Our Lady.

— And what is this?

— An old man holding a flowering staff; it is Saint Joseph.

The miracle was taking place. One can imagine the joy of the young woman and her poor parents!