The amazing miracle of Carmelo de Palma: Blessed Italian priest

The bells of the Bari churches, in Italy, played in unison on Monday afternoon after the news that Pope Francis had Approved on March 28 The miracle attributed to the intercession of Carmelo de Palma, known as the “hero of the confessional.”

Carmelo de Palma, diocesan priest, dedicated his life to the Ministry of Confessor and the spiritual direction of faithful, priests, seminarists and, in a special way, of the Benedictine nuns of Santa Scholastica in Bari (Italy).

Miraculous healing of a Benedictine nun

Precisely in this monastery, the miraculous healing attributed to the new Blessed occurred. The protagonist of the story is a Benedictine nun who, in 2001, began to suffer a progressive weakening of arms and legs.

Initially, it was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, but the treatments failed to improve their condition. Subsequent studies revealed neurological problems in the cervical zone and, two years later, a magnetic resonance confirmed serious spinal cord injury that left it unable to walk.

Given the seriousness of his illness, two Italian neurosurgeons recommended high -risk surgery. However, the religious decided not to submit to the operation.

In February 2003, the mortal remains of Carmelo de Palma were transferred to the monastery of Santa Scholastica, where the sick nun resided. The abbess mother, trusting her intercession, asked the community to pray for her intercession.

On June 1, 2003, when he was still difficult to walk and had stopped taking his medication, the nun experienced a sudden improvement during the night. The next morning, he was able to get up and walk normally, even with more agility than before the disease.

According to the Dicasterio for the causes of the saints, the medical exams carried out until 2010 confirmed that, despite the persistence of medullary compression, the nun did not suffer symptoms or sequelae again, completely recovering the functionality of their limbs.

A total delivery to the will of God

Carmelo de Palma lived a deep life of prayer centered on the Eucharist and devotion to the Virgin Mary. In addition, his faith led him to a total delivery to the will of God: “My only aspiration is to always fulfill the will of God; therefore, we thank at all times with a living faith, generously accepting what He provides,” he used to say the new Blessed.

Heroically exercised charity, generously helping those in need. His hope was based on the confidence in the paternal love of God, which allowed him to comfort and encourage those who went through difficulties.

He was born on January 27, 1876 in the coastal city of Bari (Italy). After being orphaned, he entered with ten years at the seminar of his hometown. He was ordained a priest in Naples in 1898.

On June 17, 1900 he was appointed chaplain of the Basilica of San Nicolás in Bari, where he served the people of God celebrating Mass, listening to confessions and encouraging various pastoral initiatives. He also exercised as chancellor, custodian of the crypt and vicar capitular, among other positions.

Later, the Basilica passed to the Dominican parents by disposition of the Holy See and the new Blessed was appointed spiritual director of the Benedictine nuns of Santa Scholastic in Bari, as well as the Oblates and Oblatas de San Benito. During that time he also attended the faithful, priests and seminarians spiritually.

Over the years his health deteriorated seriously due to chronic colitis, myocardial arteriosclerosis and progressive loss of sight. In February 1961 he publicly celebrated the Mass for the last time and, due to his illness, continued to celebrate it in his room, where he also continued to receive confessions. He died in Bari on August 24, 1961 due to heart failure.