Miracles aren’t just stories from centuries ago — sometimes, they happen right under our noses, reminding us that faith and the unexplained still have a powerful place in our world.
Recently, Pope Leo XIV officially recognized his very first miracle as pope, and it’s one that’s captured hearts all the way from Rhode Island to Spain.
The Miracle That Sparked a Wave of Wonder
Back in 2007, a newborn named Tyquan Hall was fighting for his life.
Born prematurely through an emergency C-section, he arrived with no pulse and was fading fast — pale, turning blue, and with severe oxygen deprivation that made doctors fear the worst: death or lasting brain damage.
When all medical efforts seemed to have run out, Dr. Juan Sanchez, a physician originally from Spain but working in Rhode Island, took a desperate but hopeful step.
Instead of praying to a well-known saint, he invoked the name of a humble 19th-century Spanish priest, Salvador Valera Parra, who had long been forgotten outside his small hometown.
An Unexplainable Recovery
What happened next left everyone stunned. Mere minutes after Dr. Sanchez’s prayer, Tyquan’s heart began beating on its own, steady and strong — no medical intervention needed.
Doctors braced themselves for possible severe neurological issues, but Tyquan defied all odds.
He started speaking by 18 months, took his first steps by age two, and today lives a healthy, thriving life with no signs of impairment.
The Man Behind the Miracle: Father Salvador Valera Parra
Father Valera Parra lived quietly in Spain during the 19th century.
Born in 1816 and passing away in 1889, he was a simple parish priest with no fame or claims of supernatural powers.
He never traveled to the United States, let alone Rhode Island, making this miracle even more extraordinary.
Rev. Timothy Reilly of the Diocese of Providence expressed excitement about the pope’s declaration, calling it a huge blessing not only for Rhode Island but for believers everywhere.
This official recognition pushes Father Valera Parra closer to sainthood — he now only needs one more confirmed miracle for canonization.
Pope Leo XIV: A New Era for the Church
This miracle is a landmark moment for Pope Leo XIV as well — the first American and Peruvian to serve as the leader of the Catholic Church.
Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Leo took office earlier this year after Pope Francis’s passing.
He brings a refreshing mix of deep spirituality and down-to-earth charm.
Besides his theological wisdom, he’s known for enjoying tennis, Wordle puzzles with his brother, and cheering for the Chicago White Sox.
His papacy seems to reflect a broader vision for sainthood today, honoring figures from all walks of life.
Looking Ahead: New Saints for a Modern Age
Alongside Father Valera Parra’s cause, the Vatican is also advancing that of Carlos Acutis, a young British-born millennial who died of leukemia in 2007.
Carlos became famous for creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, and his incorrupt body is now displayed in Assisi, Italy.
He’s on track to become the first millennial saint — a sign the Church is embracing new stories of holiness.