date: 30.09.2017.
Thomas Tom Lascelles, 20 years old young man, comes from Newcastle upon Tyne at the northeast of England. He was born with cerebral paralyses, and has been in a wheelchair most of his life. Despite his physical disability, there are no obstacles for this young man not problems he cannot resolve. Medjugorje is his second home today, a place he lives in and allows his dreams to come truth.
Thomas was our guest in the programme of radio „Mir“ Medjugorje, and this is what he said: „I was born with cerebral paralyses and I am one of two twins that were born, but the other did not survive. I have two older sisters. When it comes to the life with disabilities, at first I was able to walk with a walker. Later on, I had three surgeries and they did not go well, so due to them I ended up in wheelchair since 2008. I never allowed my disability to disable me for a life. I had a huge blessing of having had a priest with me who guided me all the time in this process. When it comes to the disability, I could have lived thinking about all those things I do not have and I cannot do, but instead of that, I began to observe my life with purpose. I was trying to see what I could do to make my life more meaningful and joyful comparing to other people, all so I could fulfil the purpose of my existence here “.
Thomas came to Medjugorje in July 2005, for the first time. „I was invited by Fr. Senan Ryan, religious from Ireland. At that time we communicated via Skype and we used to talk a lot. I spoke to him about my calling, about things I felt in my heart and I asked him where he would come on a holiday. He said he was coming here and I joked and asked him if I could come along? This joke soon became a reality. I came to Medjugorje and that week was amazing. I received so many gifts and so many graces and I simply could not explain all what happened in that week“, said Thomas who came again with Fr. Senan in 2016. When he returned, he said he would come again here.
„I felt desire to return here as soon as I could. I knew I did not want to be part of a group and surrounded with other people, I wanted to be alone. I felt this was needed to me, as I needed to discover more profoundly about Jesus and Mary. It was August 2016 and I decided to take a vacation. This was incredible since I made decision to quit my job and I knew this was the right decision. Ever since the summer last year, I‘ve been in Medjugorje more less all the time. I would go to England for a few weeks every couple of months, but I always come back here. I was never so happy as when I am here. All that is here for me is because of God’s grace. I met many people who help me here and I have good relationship with priests who are here. Each day I am trying to discern to see what God wishes of me in my life“, said Thomas who is so thrilled with confessions in Medjugorje.
At the end he thanked this parish and the youth here: „I would like to thank all, particularly those who carried me up the Cross Mountain, which was the most amazing experience. One can really feel such brotherhood among those boys. I am grateful to God for being in this parish, surrounded with all these wonderful people, especially nuns and priests, particularly Fr. Marinko who helps me spiritually a lot. Those are huge graces and gifts I received“.
