Welcome to My Story

For speaking engagements visit my new website -  Rosario Rodriguez

On June 29th, 2009 I was a victim of a robbery and was shot in the chest. The doctors are calling me a miracle as the bullet missed my heart by 1 cm. My esophagus was hit by the bullet and  severely damaged while fragments of the bullet hit both of my lungs. It took 8 hours of intense surgery to repair my esophagus. The doctors placed two tubes in my right lung and one in my left to drain them after they collapsed. My doctors and surgeons said I would spend at least two months in the hospital but thanks to the prayers from many around the world and by the Grace of God I was released only 10 days after the incident.  I spent a month and a half recovering in LA where I had been living and my friends took very good care of me. I have now flown home to west Michigan to stay with my family and am working my way to a full recovery, which will take about two years.

This blog follows my journey of recovery, the trial, whatever is going on in my life and whatever is on my mind. I hope you enjoy! Thank you for all of your prayers and support… they are greatly needed & appreciated!

God is Sovereign!

~Rosario Rodriguez

My story is on CD!

My story is now on CD! You can order here at St. Joseph Communications Inc. Buy CD’s  for family, friends, neighbors, co-workers… all the people in your life who need to hear the message of God’s powerful healing and the freedom of forgiveness.

From St. Joseph Communications Inc website:

Our Lord and Our Lady: A Shield About Me – The Inspirational Story Of Rosario Rodriguez

Emotional woundedness is a common human experience. To be sure, some of us are more wounded than others. Far too often infliction is brought upon by someone close to us. Sometimes evil befalls us by just being “at the wrong place and at the wrong time.” How then should we as Catholics respond to this kind of emotional pain and personal crises? How does one find peace, forgiveness and normalcy again?

Rosario Rodriguez never expected to go through the insurmountable trials she faced during her formational years. She came from a loving home which cultivated her Catholic Faith and missionary heart. However, it seemed that one trial always followed another. In one instance, she was robbed, shot and left gasping for her dear life.

After these horrific experiences, she began to struggle with her own faith. Questions about God’s goodness began to percolate in her mind.  Yet, she never abandoned her faith.

In fact, her faith blossomed beyond what she could have ever imagined. She was inspired by God’s faithfulness through it all, and now she is on a mission to share God’s goodness and faithfulness to others, especially to young ladies.

Rosario’s story has been shared at several conferences, parishes and other faith-based events across the country. Be inspired and inspire others with this powerful interview from one the Church’s up-and-coming motivational speakers.

In this CD, you’ll discover:

-Why God allows things to happen to His children (and in the way that they do)
-How to rebound from life’s deepest pains
-How to use your own pains and wounds to help others in their spiritual journey
-How to interact with and forgive those within your family who have hurt you

Presenting at the Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of sharing Liz Yore’s presentation (who had a last minute conflict and couldn’t attend) at the Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rally in Orange County, CA. Liz Yore is a Chicago based attorney and long time advocate for Children’s rights and advisor to Catholic Charities of Chicago. She was counsel to Harpo Productions (Oprah Winfrey Show) for five years.

It was an honor to share her knowledge of what is happening in this country in regards to the implementation of the HHS Mandate and how it affects foster children and many others who are served by Catholic charities. Her words and insight were powerful and I was humbled to read them on her behalf.

It was a blessing to meet many of the speakers who are all standing up and working hard to protect our First Amendment rights as well as the rights of the most vulnerable.

My room mate Emily and I at the Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally. Emily is running for Miss California

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

Happy feast day! Today we celebrate Our Lady of the Rosary  (Who I’m named for!)

“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.” -Saint Francis de Sales

“Never will anyone who says his Rosary every day be led astray. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.” -Saint Louis de Montfort

“The Rosary is a treasure of graces.” -Pope Paul V

“The Rosary is THE WEAPON.” -St. Pio of Pietrelcina

“The Rosary is the scourge of the devil.” -Pope Adrian VI

“The Rosary is the most powerful weapon to touch the Heart of Jesus, Our Redeemer, who so loves His Mother.” -St. Louis de Montfort

The summer Blog drought is over!

No, I haven’t forgotten about my blog. Life got a bit hectic this summer and sadly I neglected my blog while I focused on other things. But, not to worry…. I’M BACK with all sorts of exciting things happening to share with all of you! So get ready for more frequent blog posts!

My Radio Interview on Daybreak with TJ and Rachel

Here’s a link to the live radio interview I did with TJ and Rachel on Daybreak Morning Show for Spirit Catholic Radio Network back in July. We discuss Forgiveness, the Power of Prayer, and the Healing power of the Sacraments!

(Scroll down the page to 07 – 11- 12 Rosario Rodriguez for the interview.)

Daybreak interview with TJ & Rachel

Approaching the Third Year Anniversary of the Shooting

 Three years ago on June 25th I sent out an email asking my friends and family to join me in praying a novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague for three special intentions. In the midst of us praying the novena the shooting occurred. My family and I believe that because of the power of this novena, many friends already praying on my behalf and Our Lady of Guadalupe by my side, my life was spared.

I would like to ask you to join me once again in praying this novena as we approach the third year anniversary of the shooting. Beginning today, Thursday June 21st – Friday June 29th (the 3rd year anniversary). This time I’m adding an extra intention (h/t Paige Rees) so there are four intentions.

My four intentions are:

1. In thanksgiving for the gift of my life and my full recovery

2. For the conversion of April (the woman who shot me) and everyone who hears this miraculous story that they may come to know and experience the incredible Love, Mercy and Forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ in their lives.

3. For provision (financial, work & spiritual) in my life as I move forward and continue the healing process.

 4. For the intentions of those who are praying this novena together

Novena Prayer to the Miraculous Infant of Prague

Dearest Jesus, Little Infant of Prague, how tenderly You love us! Your greatest joy is to dwell among us and to bestow Your blessing upon us. Though I am not worthy that You should help me, I feel drawn to You by love because You are kind and merciful.

So many who turned to You with confidence have received graces and had their petitions granted. Behold me as I come before You to lay open my heart to You with its prayers and hopes. I present to You especially this request, which I enclose in Your loving Heart: (Mention your request - 1. In thanksgiving for the gift of my life and for my full recovery 2. For the conversion of April (the woman who shot me) and for everyone who hears this miraculous story that they may come to know and experience the incredible Love, Mercy and Forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ in their lives. 3. For provision (financial, work & spiritual) in my life as I move forward and continue the healing process.  4. For the intentions of those who are praying this novena together.). 

Rule over me, dear Infant Jesus, and do with me and mine according to Your Holy Will, for I know that in Your Divine Wisdom and Love You will arrange everything for the best. Do not withdraw Your hand from me, but protect and bless me forever.

I pray You, all-powerful and gracious Infant Jesus, for the sake of Your Sacred Infancy, in the Name of Your Blessed Mother Mary who cared for You with such tenderness, and by the greatest reverence with which Saint Joseph carried You in his arms, help me in my needs. Make me truly happy with You, dearest Infant, in time and in eternity, and I shall thank You forever with all my heart. Amen.

A statue of the Infant of Prague from Prague that my friend Maggie brought to my hospital room right after I was shot.

Thank you for your incredible support. I truly appreciate it more then words can say! With love and blessings! XO

God is Sovereign!

~Rosario Rodriguez

Celebrating Justice!

I received an email from the District Attorney regarding Friday’s court hearing. They were there on the defense motion for a new trial, and he spent a considerable amount of time arguing the claims raised by the defense. Then the judge DENIED the motion for a new trial and the defendant was sentenced! She received Life + 30 years in state prison.

IT IS OVER!

Praise God, it is over! Justice has been served!

Receiving this news brings great relief and closure. I’m so grateful to everyone who has worked on my case: the first responders, the police officers and detectives who worked tirelessly to find the woman who shot me and arrest her, and all the attorneys who have put in many hours to see this through. The attorney who presented my case at the preliminary hearing has continued to follow the case and even appeared at some of the trial hearings to support me. I have seen similar kindness from many others throughout this ordeal and am truly moved by it. I am grateful that God placed so many incredible people in my life to help me through such a difficult time.

I am grateful for the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Filomena, St. Antonio of Padua, Bl. Anacleto and Josh Gonder. I know the Lord heard their prayers on my behalf. And I am especially grateful to all of you who continued to follow my journey and unceasingly offered your prayers and encouragement. This is your celebration, too!

Please continue to pray for the woman who shot me, that she may come to know the incredible Love, Mercy and Forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God is Sovereign! ~Rosario Rodriguez