Blessed to be leading the Marian Procession
Local
Seven months after his brush with death, 13-year-old Javale Morato will lead more than 2000 Catholics as they participate in the annual Marian Procession on Sunday May 18.
Javale’s miraculous recovery from a freak hammer throw accident on September 5 has become a symbol of hope for his family, friends and the many people around the world who prayed for him.
For Javale to walk from Victoria Park to Victoria Square after suffering a traumatic brain injury which left him paralysed on one side and unable to speak is a feat in itself.
But ever since he was rushed to hospital and underwent high risk brain surgery, Javale has defied the odds. He has regained his speech, no longer needs a wheelchair or walker, is back at school three days a week and has started playing the piano again.
His biggest motivation for full recovery is being able to play basketball again.
“He loves his basketball and when we went to the doctor last time it was the first question he asked,” said Javale’s mother, Teresa Agravante.
When Teresa spoke to The Southern Cross in October at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH), where she and her husband Jason and daughter Jeorgianna kept a bedside vigil, she found it hard not to cry.
“Now I am smiling so much,” she said as the family gathered with Archbishop Patrick O’Regan and Diocesan staff ahead of the Marian Procession.
It wasn’t the first time the family had met the Archbishop and Teresa laughed as she recounted how nervous she was when he came to their home to visit Javale.
“My family and friends back in the Philippines couldn’t believe the Archbishop would come to my home,” she said.
“I didn’t know which type of tea to serve him.”
The Archbishop gave Javale a set of rosary beads blessed by Pope Francis, saying “I couldn’t think of anyone better to give them to”.
Asked if he remembered much about the accident, Javale replied: “I remember getting hit in the head”.
Pointing to two long scars on his scalp he said it would have been better if there was just one down the middle.
Teresa said it was a “great honour” for Javale to lead the Marian Procession.
“We are a religious family so to be able to carry the cross is fantastic,” she said.
“And for Javale to be able to walk that far…a lot of people have been following his progress and will be amazed.”
The Hectorville parishioner said their fellow parishioners had been surprised to see Javale improve so quickly – from needing a walker and a wheelchair to no assistance.
The Christian Brothers College student is continuing his therapy while attending school. Teresa said the school had been very good at monitoring his wellbeing and making sure he doesn’t get too tired.
“Javale is determined to recover as much as he can and with God’s grace he can go back to doing the things he loves to do,” Teresa said.
“Our family is so grateful to all the incredible people, including the MedSTAR – SA Ambulance service and staff at the WCH, who have got him to here.”
The 76th Marian Procession will be held at 2pm on Sunday May 18, beginning at Victoria Park and processing up Wakefield Street into Victoria Square. For more information, please contact Archdiocesan Events on 8210 8220.
Jump to next article
