The Archdiocese of Liverpool has officially declared the healing of British World War I veteran John Traynor a miracle.
Archbishop Malcolm McMahon made the announcement during a Mass on December 8, coinciding with the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Traynor, a Royal Navy sailor severely injured during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915, suffered from epilepsy, paralysis of his right arm and partial paralysis of his legs. Despite being deemed incurable by doctors, Traynor participated in the first official Liverpool pilgrimage to Lourdes in July 1923.
During the pilgrimage, Traynor underwent nine immersions in the sacred baths. He reported a cessation of epileptic fits and regained the use of his limbs. His recovery was later confirmed by medical professionals who noted the complete healing of his injuries, including wounds and paralysis previously deemed permanent.
Dr. Kieran Moriarty, an English member of the Lourdes International Medical Committee, led a recent review of archival evidence. His findings corroborated the earlier conclusions of a 1926 Lourdes medical panel, which found the healing “absolutely outside and above the forces of nature.”
Archbishop McMahon expressed joy at the decision, saying the event shows the power of faith and the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes. Referencing the new evidence presented, he declared the healing “a miracle wrought by the power of God through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.”
This recognition marks the 71st official miracle at Lourdes and the first involving an English-speaking pilgrim.
Photo credit: LI SEN / Shutterstock.com
