Icelandic Woman Recovers After Alleged Miracle Healing from Lung Disease
Jona has a sweet smile that reflects in the eyes of her three children and her husband, the tenor Cristjan Johannsson. A smile that undeniably lights up her beautiful oval face, framed by blond hair revealing her Northern origin, specifically Icelandic.
Jona has rediscovered the smile she had completely lost over the past two years. She has rekindled her desire to live, to play with her three children, to cook, and to perform everyday tasks.
She, 40 years old, a Protestant Lutheran by faith, a descendant of a prominent family considering her mother served as Minister of Social Affairs in her country, is the protagonist of a truly unique and mysterious story. A highly personal and private matter born from an illness that “heavily” affected her life and that of her loved ones, which developed through a plea for healing and concluded with a positive outcome.
A Recognized Miracle
A miracle? Who knows. We recount the facts as told by Cardinal Edmund Cassidy to the Pope, during a recent audience with the Johannsson family. What is certain is that Jona has regained her life and joy of living over the past six months.
“I started having problems in the second half of 1999,” she recounts in her home’s living room, speaking with Emilio Cupolo, host of a television program—“I should mention that I am a Protestant Lutheran and believe in God. I attend the Catholic church of Maguzzano Abbey, where I find an atmosphere conducive to prayer.
Well, my life changed when my breathing became heavy and difficult. I was diagnosed with a third-degree lung disease: Allergic Eosinophilic Bronchitis. My lungs were not allowing proper oxygen exchange with the blood, which had dropped to 39%. The diagnosis was confirmed in Parma, and also by doctors at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA, known for treating presidents, among others.
The CT scan and five tests left no doubt. It’s not a common disease. I was treated with corticosteroid-based medications, which alleviated symptoms but did not cure the illness. In just a few months, my life changed: I was always tired, my husband, Johannsson the tenor, had lost his desire to sing, my children no longer smiled, and my mother’s worries increased exponentially.”
For this reason, on my family doctor’s advice, I scheduled hospitalization in Brescia for further tests. To prepare for this, I gradually reduced and then eliminated my medications. But the turning point came on September 18, just days before going to the hospital — recounts Jona.
The Moment of Healing
With my three children and husband, we attended a relative’s funeral at Maguzzano that afternoon. During the service, I prayed to God. I was overwhelmed with pain over my condition. I asked Him to take my illness away, to heal me. Yes, I prayed for myself, for a miracle.
Immediately, I felt relieved, free, serene, at peace. I felt good. My husband, as the days passed, called me, and I reassured him that I was well, breathing normally, no longer short of breath, despite having stopped the treatments.
The confirmation of what is called a healing came a few weeks later through the results of tests conducted during my hospital stay in Brescia. The doctors told me I had nothing at my lungs except for some small scars, evidence of a past illness. All tests were negative. It has now been five months since then, and I am well, breathing normally, and I have not taken any medication.
I made a promise to God on that September 18 in Maguzzano church — to testify to what had happened. For this reason, I shared my story with Cardinal Cassidy, who relayed it to the Holy Father. Recently, we all traveled to Rome and were received by the Pope, along with about twenty others.
End of the Story and Return to Daily Life
This is the story of Jona, punctuated by moments of emotion. Ms. Johannsson, who lives with her family in Desenzano, smiles and walks away. It’s lunchtime, and her cooking, stove, and family call her. For her, life has started anew.