The Healing of Little Daniel
By: Anna

The story of little Daniel, which apprears below, is presented without any claim as to its miraculous nature. To declare that any healing is "miraculous" is up to the judgement of the local bishop and the Church. The healings that are being reported at Medjugorje are nevertheless, so numerous, that they must be seriously considered.

One of the first reported healings which occured in the early days of the apparitions is that of "Little Daniel." His case is well known, and well documented. It is a good example of the graces being offered in Medjugorje.

Daniel was born normal and healthy on September 21, 1978, the third child of John and Snda Setka. Four days after his birth, he came down with septicemia. He turned blue, became rigid, and had convulsions. He was taken to the children's hospital in Mostar where he remained for a month, showing no signs of improvement. Since his father worked in West Germany, he was then taken to a hospital there for another month, again with no improvement.

His parents also turned to heaven for help. Pilgrimages were made to Saint John of Jace in Bosnia and to Saint Roko. After two years and nine months, there was still no change in the child's condition. It was then that his parents heard of Medjugorje. The whole family, including Daniel, immediately went to the hillside where the apparitions were taking place. His mother and father carried him up Mount Podbrdo, and the father asked the seers to intercede with Our Lady for little Daniel. They replied that they already had too many requests to submit to Her and they should come back the next day. They came back the next day, June 29, 1981, the sixth day of Our Lady's appearances. After the apparition, Jakov reported that the Blessed Virgin had told them that "Daniel's parents were to believe firmly and the boy would be healed".

On the way home the family stopped at a restaurant. Up to that time, Daniel had not been able to talk, his head had always tilted to the right, and he could only take one or two steps without falling. To everyone's amazement, Daniel tapped on the table with his hand and said, "Give me something to drink.". From that moment on his speech gradually improved. He began putting words together and speaking. He was also able to stand up and walk on a level surface. His walking continued to imporve to the point that he could go up stairs normally and run down. When Father Svetozar left Daniel's house, after interviewing his parents, he saw the boy kicking a soccer ball in the yard.

In a book by Father Rupcic, he describes fifty-six healings that have been reported at Medjugorje in the Early Days. Now, there are so many healings and conversions taking place, that they are too numerous to record.