CLEARWATER, Florida, February 1, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A column appearing on the popular Catholic web site spiritdaily.com is highlighting that Terri Schiavo’s fight for life is ultimately a spiritual battle. Terri is the brain-disabled Florida woman whose parents are battling in court to prevent her euthanasia at the hands of her estranged husband, Michael Schiavo.
“Make no mistake: there is a huge spiritual component to the Terri Schiavo case,” the Spirit Daily writer emphasizes.
According to Terri’s father, Robert Schindler, who spoke with the Spirit Daily writer, Terri’s legal guardian, Michael, has not allowed her to receive Holy Communion since 1990, the year of her injury. Schindler explained how the former head of chaplains for the Pentagon, Monsignor Thaddeus Malanowski, visits Terri regularly to anoint her with chrism and Holy Water.
“Yet there is every sign that the Catholicism lives within the poor woman,” the Spirit Daily writer continues. “‘When Monsignor Malanowski comes,’ says Schindler, ‘Terri—who many mistakenly believe is vegetative—strongly reacts.’”
‘To show you how deep her Catholic faith is,’ says Schindler, ‘whatever distractions there are, she concentrates on monsignor solely and the different prayers he says with her. She is very attentive.’
“I pray to St. Michael to drive the devils out of the courtroom,” says Schindler, when asked if he detects the presence of evil around the situation. “I can feel them and almost see them.”
“We urge all of you to pray for this family,” the Spirit Daily writer continues. “Pray that Terri is released into her parent’s care. There may be dark secrets. Will they ever be revealed? St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle…”
“We go a day at a time,” Schindler said. “We expect the worst and hope for the best. It’s a day-to-day thing.”
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