T O H E AV E N ,
H E L L A N D B A C K
T O H E AV E N
By Lucia Lo Presti
I n t r o d u c t i o n b y a d e a r f r i e n d
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Preface
To: All those involved
My name is Diane M. Blasotto. My friend, Lucia Lo Presti has received obstacles,
apparitions and miracles for the purpose of glorifying the Lord, telling the world of His goodness
and mercy. She has seen and has spoken to the Lord and the Blessed Mother.
Lucia had the idea to write her story and let the world know of how she encountered the great
miracles of the Lord in 2010, the year she passed away. Her book was never completed. The
information compiled is the best representation of the events in her life as they happened.
Scripture has been inserted in italics to clarify, verify, define, guide and explain happenings
in the life of the author.
Source: The New American Bible, Revised Edition, 1986, St Joseph Edition, Catholic Book
Publishing Corp., New Jersey.
This manuscript was blessed by a Catholic Priest on June 2, 2014.
Please feel free to share her story!
Thank you!
Diane M. Blasotto
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Lucia’s Acknowledgements
I would like to thank many people in my life who helped me to be the person I am today.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, His Blessed Mother and our Mother
My Parents (deceased): Salvatore Mazzarella and Parmela Argieri
My Brother (deceased): Pat Mazzarella
My First Husband (deceased): The “Barone” Concerto Lo Presti
My Present Husband: Ralph “Gerald” Pfiester
My Daughter (deceased): Anne Marie Lo Presti
My Son and His Wife: Richard and Debbie Lo Presti
My Grandchildren: Anne Marie and James “Jimmy” Lo Presti
My friend and “Adopted Daughter”: Diane Blasotto
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List of Lucia’s Apparition Experiences
1. Vision of Jesus Christ Ten Times
2. Vision of the Woman in the Ladies’ Lounge
3. Little Girl “Angels” Escort to Altar
4. Blessed Mother tells Lucia to Write Book
5. Daughter Anne Marie
6. Vision of Heaven
7. Our Blessed Mother Mary
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List of Lucia’s Obstacles
1. Father’s Reprimand
2. Family Illness
3. Depression
4. Demonic Obsession – Visitation - First Time
5. Weak Heart
6. Heart Operations
7. Fear of “Out of Body” and “Near Death Experiences”
8. Demonic Obsession – Visitation - Second Time
9. Demonic Obsession – Visitation - Third Time
10. Demonic Obsession – Visitation - Fourth Time
11. Poor Eyesight
12. Choking Incident-Close to Death
13. Beaten, Left-For-Dead By Mobster
14. Separation and Death of First Husband The “Barone” Concerto Lo Presti
15. Death of Daughter
16. Walking and Eyesight Worsen Increasingly
17. Diagnosis of Macular Degeneration
18. Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis - Needs Walker
19. Doctors Inform Lucia of Need of Heart Monitor - Heart almost Stops
20. Minimal Walking and Loss of Enthusiasm
21. Demonic Obsession – Visitation - Fifth Time
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List of Lucia’s Miracles
1. Walking to Mass at Five Years of Age - Escaping Father’s Reprimand
2. Perseverance to Care for All Family Members
3. Peace of Jesus’ Words - “I Am the Only One Who Can Give You Peace”
4. Periodic Relief of Demonic Obsession - Help of Friend and Parishioner Rose
5. Heart Beat Normally when Doctors Declared Death
6. Survival through Numerous Heart Surgeries
7. Overcoming Fear of “Out of Body” and “Near Death Experiences” - Identification with
Padre Pio and “Seeing” Heaven
8. Periodic Relief of Demonic Obsession - Catholic Church
9. Cardinal Richard Cushing Exorcises Demons Bothering Lucia
10. Exorcism by Monsignor James Moynihan - Archdiocese of Boston-Stops Demonic
Forces Apparition of Little Girl Angels
11. Retains Partial Sight
12. Life Saved From Choking – Apparitions - Christ and Beautiful Woman
13. God’s Provides Lucia Survival after Being Sexually Assaulted and Beaten - Arrival of
Taxi at Three o’clock in the Morning
14. God’s Provision of New Husband
15. Adoption of “Daughter”
16. Walks Up Ninety-Nine Steps of Home
17. Maintains Peripheral Vision - Doctors Proclaim Never Would Lose Vision Completely
18. Walks around Restaurant Buffet - Does Errands without Walker
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19. Doctors Baffled - Heart Beats without Home Monitor
20. Father Tom De Lorenzo Lays on Hands and Speaks in Tongues – Lucia Walks to Father
Tom, A Long Distance without Walker
21. Father Ralph Diorio Performs Exorcism in Latin and English
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Healing Priests and Clergy
Cardinal Richard Cushing - Chancery, Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts
Monsignor James Moynihan, Saint Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, West Roxbury,
Massachusetts
Father Edward McDonough, Mission Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts
Father Tom De Lorenzo, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Winthrop, Massachusetts
Father Ralph Diorio, Archdiocese of Worcester, Massachusetts
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1. INTRODUCTION
How Lucia and I First Met
God *brought me to a healing service at the Mission Church Roxbury, Massachusetts led by
Father Edward McDonough, September 2003.(Matthew 8 vs. 16 • And cured all the sick.)
It was a special Sunday. I was *praying in the Holy Spirit, as I always do, by the *Grace of
God.
Sitting in the aisle seat of the last pew, I noticed two women coming towards me. I felt the
Holy Spirit *draw me in the direction of the woman staring at me. I immediately returned my
*gaze saying’ “Walk in the Name of Jesus!” (Acts 3 vs. 6 • Peter said, “I have neither silver nor
gold; but what I do have, I give you in the Name of Jesus the Nazorean [Arise and walk.]”)
Years later, the Lord led me to that biblical passage.
From that moment, we have been together for seven years!
*brought – lead by
*praying in the Holy Spirit – comes after surrendering of self to God
*Grace of God – favor; a gift given by God. Grace is given when you
realize you cannot do anything on your own power, but by the Power
of God. (It is not by trying.)
*draw – slight “pull” or “tug” by the Holy Spirit
*gaze – the look of one person to another when one allows the Lord
to “look” through them.
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2. A FRIEND’S ACCOUNT
Lover of God, the Blessed Mother and Family
Lucia constantly spoke of how much she loved God, the Blessed Mother and Family.
Lucia’s daughter, Anne Marie, was only nineteen years of age when she died in a car crash that
violently took her life. This devastated Lucia to the core. (Psalms 56 vs. 14 • You shall have
snatched me from death.) (Matthew 9 vs. 18 • My daughter has just died.) (Job 5 vs. 26, 27 •
You shall approach the grave in full vigor. See, this we have searched and so it is!)
Her son would call and visit daily. His wife, Debbie, would accompany him. Lucia shared a
great affection with her grandchildren, Anne Marie and Jimmy. Lucia called them frequently.
Holidays and Holy Days were spent together at her son’s home. One of the highlights of her life
was the day she attended her granddaughter’s wedding in the Catholic Church. It is unusual for
this generation to marry in the church or at all.
Lucia was married to Ralph, fondly known as Gerald, her present husband who was always
loving and supportive. Anytime Lucia needed anything he would be at her beck and call. Gerald
often prepared lunch for both of us. Lucia and I prayed the Our Father, (Matthew 6 vs. 6,12, 13
• But when you pray, go to your room, close the door and pray to your Heavenly Father in secret
and your Father in secret will repay you… Do not subject us to the final test. Deliver us from
the evil one!) Hail Mary for her family, deceased relatives, friends and even her enemies!
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These prayers brought relief in her pain. (Psalms 56 vs. 9 • Are my tears not stored up in
your flask recorded in your book?) (Psalms 56 vs. 74 • For I am afflicted day after day.)
Through her great discomfort, this saintly woman managed to laugh! We would *prophesy in
the Lord. Lucia told me I had the *aura of the Blessed Mother around me.
*prophesy – to speak in the Lord by the Lord
*aura – invisible emanation
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Mother and Daughter
Lucia and I were “surrogate” mother and daughter. People seeing us together referred to us
in this manner. Spending time was truly a divine calling. We were always with each other -
Mondays through Fridays - for seven years. Lucia’s daughter would have been sixty years old.
To comfort Lucia, Gerald read from the Book of Job. (Job 1 vs.2 • Seven sons and three
daughters were born to him.), (Job 1 vs. 19 • and suddenly, a great wind came across the desert
and smashed the four corners of the house. It fell upon the young people and they were dead).
(Job 1 vs.20 • He fell to the ground and worshipped. He said, “Naked I came forth from my
mother’s womb and naked I shall go.)
(Psalms 48 vs.15 • He will lead us until death.) (Job 42 vs. 1, 2 • Then, Job answered the
Lord and said, “I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be hindered.
(Job 11 vs. 10 • The Lord also restored the prosperity of Job after he had prayed for his friends.
The Lord even gave Job twice as much as he had before.)
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Six Months Prior to Lucia’s Death
According to her husband, Gerald, Lucia had more apparitions, dreams, *near death and
*out-of-body experiences during her last six months than at any other time in her life. (2
Corinthians 12 vs.3 • And I know that this person, whether in or out of the body, I do not know.
God knows; was caught up into Paradise and heard ineffable things which no one may utter.)
*near death experience-The spirit travels to Heaven. Sometimes
enters a tunnel of bright light
*out-of-body experience-The spirit leaves the body
The Lord allowed Lucia’s daughter to appear to her. Lucia’s spirit would leave her body.
Together, they would travel “on tour to Heaven to prepare Lucia for death into “new Life” in the
Lord. (Psalms 73 vs. 24 • At the end receive me with honor.) Anne Marie said to her mother,
“they all know you here!” “You have a place.” (John 14 vs.2 • In My Father’s House there are
many rooms (dwelling places). If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to
prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and
take you to Myself, so that where I am you may also be.”) (Job 5 vs. 26, 27 • You shall approach
the grave in full vigor. See this we have searched out; so it is! This we have heard and you
should know.) (Job 1 vs. 11, 12, 13 • Then, all his brothers and sisters came to him and all his
former acquaintances and they dined with him in his house. They consoled and comforted him
for all the evil the Lord brought upon him. Thus the Lord blessed the later days of Job than his
earlier ones. He also had seven sons and three daughters. Then, Job died old and full of years.)
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(Matthew 9 vs. 18 • My daughter has just died. But, come and lay your hands on her and she
will live.)
Highgate Manor East Dedham, Massachusetts
I recall the visit at Highgate Manor, a nursing care facility in East Dedham, Massachusetts.
Daily, I read biblical passages to Lucia and her roommate. At first, Lucia showed bitterness
toward her predicament, but eventually she began to accept her suffering and even embrace it!
Faulkner Hospital Cardiac Care Unit, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
Lucia was transferred to the Cardiac Care Unit at the Faulkner Hospital West Roxbury,
Massachusetts. Barely keeping her eyes open, she asked for my forgiveness. The hospital
chaplain, who was also a priest, gave Lucia the Sacrament of *Extreme Unction (Matthew 9 vs.
12 • Those who are well do not need a physician.) (Psalms 73 vs. 24 • At the end, receive me
with honor.) My friend returned to Highgate Manor for her end of days here on earth. I said
goodbye, never realizing it was the last time I would see her alive.
*Extreme Unction - Sacrament of the Sick in the Catholic Religion
At the end,
Gerald spent every waking moment with his beloved.
Her suffering was so intense; he did not want Lucia’s memory to be prolonged in this
fashion. She could hardly breathe or speak. His last words to his beloved were as follows,
“Honey, may I pray that God will take you?” Answering her husband, Lucia blinked her eyes
four times very deliberately. It was clear she was saying, “yes” to God’s call!
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Lucia’s Death
(Job 1 vs. 21 • Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb and naked I shall go back there.)
Lucia passed away on September 28th, 2010. (Psalms 73 vs. 24 • At the end, receive me with
honor.) (Psalms 42 vs. 17 • I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can
be hindered. Then, Job died old and full of years.)
Gerald’s Recent Illness and Miraculous Recovery
On February 12, 2011, Lucia’s husband, Gerald, was admitted to the Faulkner Hospital for
acute kidney failure. Prior to this incident, step-son Richard told him he must go to the hospital
immediately, for his medical condition was very serious. God sent Lucia to comfort him. To
Gerald, this was confirmation to check into the hospital as an in-patient. Not long afterwards, his
“numbers” (medical calculations to determine the health status of his kidneys) worsened more so
than Lucia’s kidney numbers at the time of her death. Gerald has been near death many times in
his life but had never experienced clinical death. He encountered out-of-body occurrences. Both
Lucia and Gerald’s understanding of these events were compared to those of Padre Pio. Gerald
also saw glimpses of Heaven. He did not want to return, being in such a peaceful state. This
only gladdened and heightened his desire to be with God and his beloved Lucia. (Job 5 vs. 26
And you shall know that your tent is secure; taking stock of your household, you shall miss
nothing.) Then, to the astonishment of Gerald’s doctors, his kidney’s “numbers” became likened
to a healthy young man!
Next, the reader should have a better understanding of Lucia’s obligation to share her
encounters, in her own words prompted by the Holy Spirit.
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3. LUCIA’S STORY
Family Background
I came from a respectable Sicilian Family. My brother, Pat and I were raised by my mother,
my mother’s sister (my aunt who lost two children) and my father. All through my life, I have
experienced many obstacles, apparitions and miracles. Miracles would usually follow the
obstacles and apparitions. I have truly been through the depths of hell to the Heights of Heaven!
Here is my story.
Early Childhood
First Obstacle and Miracle
Father’s Reprimand and Walking to Mass at Five Years Old - Escaping Father’s Reprimand
As a young girl, I was very devoted to the Lord and the Blessed Mother. I would get up at
five o’clock in the morning and walk a half-mile to Mass despite my father’s reprimand.
(Psalms 46 vs. 6 God is in its midst, it shall not be shaken; God will help us at the break of day.)
Second Obstacle and Miracle
Family Illness and Perseverance to Care for them
Being the “Matriarch” of our family, my mother carried a most authoritative weight. She
was told by a holy gentleman that I would be caring for all my family members, yet she did not
think I was capable of such a task. I told her that of course I was - with God’s help. I had been
taking care of my brother, Pat, who suffered all his life with multiple sclerosis. In God’s time,
His *Grace was given to me to be attentive to them all!
*Grace – Favor given by the Lord when we are unable to do anything
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Third Obstacle and Miracle
Depression and Peace of Seeing Jesus Christ Ten Times
Jesus’ words, “I am the Only One who can give you Peace.” (Psalms 55 vs. 19 He will
redeem my soul in peace.) Jesus held my head closely in His lap, for He knew I was unable to
see Him.
Jesus would appear to me in the flesh, speaking to me and leaving messages of help before
and after a crisis. (Job 3 vs.26 I have no peace nor ease. I have not rest, for trouble has come.)
(Matthew 5 vs. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart for they shall see God.)
I am writing to you, not because I want to boast about my relationship with the Lord. My
purpose is to let the world know that I had this special opportunity to “see” Jesus. (Job 42 vs. 2 I
know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be hindered.)
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Fourth Obstacle and Miracle
First Demonic Visitation - Help of Parishioner and Friend, Rose - Periodic Relief
Every night for three consecutive years my agony would continue. Demons would have their
way with me. I was sexually assaulted and punched. In a small way I was taking part in Christ’s
Crucifixion. My case was recognized throughout Boston hospitals as well as the Archdiocese of
Boston. People recited the Our Father, the Rosary and other prayers. I was still plagued with
spiritual and physical difficulties.
A woman named Rose was the only one at that time who understood my spiritual affliction.
She had a son who was tormented by demons and he would see “blasphemies” on the walls
of his bedroom. Rose commanded them in the Name of Jesus not to bully him. The evil one
finally stopped. Later, I would consult the Catholic Church about this matter just as Rose had
done. Together, we wrote a letter to Cardinal Richard Cushing requesting a meeting with him.
Fifth Obstacle and Miracle
Weak Heart, Yet Sustained Beat Normally Despite Doctors’ Death Diagnosis
My heart was very weak. (Psalms 73 vs. 13, 14 • It is in vain that I have kept my heart pure.
For I am afflicted day after day), (Psalms 73 vs. 2 • Since my heart was embittered and my soul
deeply wounded). (Psalms 73 vs. 26 • Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the Rock of my
heart.), (Psalms 51 vs. 12 • A clean heart create for me, Oh God.) Doctors did not know how
much longer I would live. (Psalms 5 vs.19 My sacrifice, Oh God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite
humbled heart.), (Psalms 57 vs. 8 • at night, I ponder in my heart).
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Sixth Obstacle and Miracle
Series of Heart Operations and Survival
I underwent many heart surgeries and lived!
Seventh Obstacle and Miracle
Fear of Near Death and Out-of-Body Experiences
Overcame Distress - Identification with Padre Pio - Seeing Heaven
As a teenager, I would be setting the table with my family, when all of a sudden; my spirit
would leave my body. I became so frightened. I thought all could see what was happening. No
one was able to view the phenomena. It was purely spiritual. Bi-location can be a charism for
sainthood. During my numerous heart angioplasties and bypasses, I felt my soul leave my body.
I entered into a beautiful unusually bright tunnel of light. (2 Corinthians 12 vs. 3 • And I know
that the person, whether in or out of the body, I do not know. God knows. I was *caught up into
Paradise.) I was frightened, at first; though I read about Padre Pio’s own observations and facts.
*caught up- lifted, taken up body and/or soul
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Eighth and Ninth Obstacle and Miracle
Second Demonic Visitation - Help of Catholic Church - Invitation to
Chancery of Cardinal Richard Cushing for Exorcism
I received a phone call from the Chancery, inviting me to meet with Cardinal Richard
Cushing at his place of residence. Being anxious and not knowing what to expect, I found the
courage to “pick myself up” and speak to this reverent man about my ordeal. Accompanied by
my family, His Eminence performed an exorcism. (Matthew 8 vs. 16 • When it was evening,
they brought Him many who were possessed by demons and He drove them out by a *word and
cured all the sick.) (Matthew 8 vs. 29 • They cried out, “What have You to do with us, Son of
God?” “Have You come to torment us before the appointed time?”)
*word- the Word of God-The Word was God
The Cardinal took out a book and asked me to kneel. Putting his hand on my head he
anointed me with the special healing oil. He first spoke in Latin and then in English. I was just
twenty-three years old; now I am eighty-one! That particular abuse never returned again.
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Tenth Obstacle and Miracle
Third Demonic Visitation - Periodic Relief-Apparition - Two Little Girl Angels
Monsignor Moynihan Performs Second Exorcism
Following Cardinal Cushing’s death, the demonic spirit returned; even stronger than the last
time. I was directed by the Archdiocese of Boston to Monsignor James Moynihan. He was the
Pastor of St. Theresa of Avila Parish in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. We made arrangements
to meet at the altar in the upper church. When I entered, two beautiful little girls escorted me
down the center aisle. When I greeted the Monsignor, I asked him who the two little girls were.
He replied that he did not see any little girls. Until this day, I believe they were angels!
The Pastor displayed no fear in performing the exorcism. (Matthew 8 vs. 16, 29 • And when
evening was come, they brought to him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the
spirits with his word: and all that were sick he healed. And behold they cried out, saying: What
have we to do with thee, Jesus Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?)
When I asked why I was attacked by these evil forces, Monsignor told me I was anointed by God
and chosen to endure this burden. (Matthew 6 vs. 13 • Do not subject us to the final test.)
Eleventh Obstacle and Miracle
Poor Eyesight - Retained Partial Sight
At an early age, my eyesight started to fail. (Psalms 73 vs. 7 • Out of such blindness come
sin.) Later in life, my eyesight became worse. My “blindness” was both physical and spiritual.
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It’s true! I’ve failed to see many things in my life. There was good news! My doctors said
that I would never go blind!
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Twelfth Obstacle and Miracle
Choking Incident-Life Saved - Apparitions of Christ and a Beautiful Lady
I was travelling on vacation aboard a ship. My cousin and I were eating dinner at the
Captain’s Table. I started to choke on a piece of meat. I ran towards the powder room. I saw
Christ at that moment and thought I was going to die. (Psalms 73 vs. 24 • At the end, receive me
with honor.) The next thing I knew, the door to the ladies’ room flew open. A beautiful woman
hit me hard between the shoulder blades when a large piece of meat became dislodged and I was
able to breathe. By this time, there was a large crowd of people asking me if I was alright. I
answered, “Yes, but you almost lost me!” Many witnesses testified to seeing no one come to my
rescue. I know what I saw!
I am certain that in time of danger, Jesus, our Blessed Mother and His angels are there to help
you!
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Thirteenth Obstacle and Miracle
Sexually Assaulted, Beaten, Left for Dead
God Provides Taxi at Three o’clock in the Morning
I was amidst a large throng at a nightclub in Boston, Massachusetts. A man, who I perceived
as a friend, bought me a drink. When it was time to leave the establishment, I asked him to bring
me home. I did not live too far from that location. I was refused. My head was spinning, though
I drank no alcohol. I was given a Mickey Finn; I had been drugged. The man dragged me
outside into a dark alley, about a block away from the club. There, I was sexually assaulted and
thrown to the ground. He proceeded to beat my head into the cement. (Matthew 5vs. 39, 43 •
Offer no resistance to the one who is evil. Give him your right cheek and the other as well. Give
to the one who wants to borrow.) I managed to pull myself into the street where I would be seen.
The “thug” followed me. It was a miracle he did not lay a hand on me again. I could barely
escape. Angrily, I told him I would call the police. (Matthew 5 vs. 22 • But, I say; Whoever is
angry is liable for judgment.)
The city was deserted. It was three o’clock in the morning. There were no taxi cabs in sight!
To my surprise and relief, a taxi appeared. The driver told me he had witnessed the whole scene.
I pleaded with him to take me to the hospital. When we arrived at the emergency room entrance
he shouted for me to get out as he was afraid for his life! I screamed for help. Standing around,
were a couple of doctors, nurses and a certain young man who could have been an angel (I was
not sure in this case.) who had the courage to ask me if I was in trouble. I urged him to notify
the police. Just then, I heard the man who pursued me inquire about my release. At that
moment, the cops arrived and arrested him. To my surprise, he was a gangster in the Italian
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Mob. I was sexually molested by the Mafia! The police took me to the station to further identify
the suspect. I owe it all to my God and His protection!
Being in the courtroom was not a pleasant experience. The detective protected me during the
hearing. The judge addressed the mobster retorting, “If anything happens to this woman, you
will be held accountable.” (Matthew 5 vs.25 • Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way
to court; otherwise, your opponent will hand you over to the judge and you will be thrown into
prison, tried and convicted.) This violent criminal could not win because Jesus was with me
once again! (Psalms 46 vs. 8 • The Lord of Hosts is with us.) (Psalms 46 vs. 6 • God is in its
midst, it shall not be shaken; God will help us at the break of day.) God is truly on my side.
I was able to escape the grip of a two-hundred pound individual with the help of God, Jesus, and
the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Mother and all His angels and saints.
In time of need, the Lord is always there!
Fourteenth Obstacle and Miracle
Separation and Death of First Husband - New “Godly” Husband - Seeing Jesus
I was twenty years of age when I met and married my first husband, the “Barone, Concerto
Lo Presti.” He was a Baron of a small town in Italy. The marriage was arranged like most
marriages in Europe were at that time. My family had everything to do with planning my life;
this included taking care of my children. My first husband and I lived in Italy where his family
originated. I became extremely homesick. I returned with the children to Roslindale,
Massachusetts to be with my family. The Baron begged me and the children to stay. We were
separated until his death sixty years later.
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I then met a man of God. I saw the Blessed Lord over us. This was the sign to wed. I was married
for the second time to Ralph “Gerald” Pfiester, a match made in Heaven!
Fifteenth Obstacle and Miracle
Death of Biological Daughter - New Adopted Daughter
Anne Marie Lo Presti, my oldest child from the Baron (Gerald and I had no children) died in
a car accident in 1973. Her fiancée, a Boston College football player was driving on a slippery,
rainy night. They came upon a four-way intersection. A car hit the passenger’s side with such
great force, my daughter was killed instantly! The doctors in the emergency room informed me
that she felt no pain. (Job 5 vs. 11 • Those who mourn are raised to safety.)
My son, Richard; “Richie,” as he is fondly known by his family and close friends, visits me
weekly. We have a very close relationship. I have wonderful grandchildren that belong to my
son and his wife, Debbie, to whom I speak daily by telephone. I also see them on special
occasions.
How I Met My “Adopted Daughter”
I met Diane at a healing service with Father Edward McDonough at the Mission Church,
Roxbury, Massachusetts in September, 2003. I truly believe she was brought to me by the Holy
Spirit. Diane told me to “Walk in the Name Of Jesus.”
My driver had to leave in a hurry. Diane inquired if I needed a ride home and I gladly
accepted! We have been together ever since. We approached my three-decker home in
Roslindale, Massachusetts located in the same neighborhood where I grew up. I attended the
elementary school next door to my house. My uncle owned the little store and restaurant at the
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bottom of my street. (Job 5 vs. 24 • And you shall know that your tent is secure; taking stock of
your household, you shall miss nothing.) Diane parked the car and opened the passenger door. I
stepped out.
Sixteenth Obstacle and Miracle
Walking Difficult; Eyesight Worse - Walks Up Ninety-Nine Steps of Home
Ahead of us were ninety-nine stairs made of partially broken concrete. I told Diane that I
was too weak to climb. She then encouraged me to *praise God and *walk in the Name of Jesus
while we made the ascent. I needed the Grace of God at that moment! (Proverbs 24 vs. 10 • Did
you fail in the day of adversity? Did your strength fall short?) (Psalms 73 vs. 2 • But, as for me,
my feet almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.)
*praise-to worship and adore
*walk-a spiritual, physical and mental decision to be obedient
through a personal relationship with Jesus
The miraculous thing happened! We made it to the top that day! (Psalms 56 vs. 14 • For you
have snatched me from death; kept my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the
Light of the Living.) Unfortunately, that would be the last time I would walk up the steps of my
home.
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Seventeenth Obstacle and Miracle
Diagnosis of Macular Degeneration - I Was Not Blind
Diane took me to the ophthalmologist and other specialists to determine what could be done
to improve my eye sight. I was given eye drops to sustain my vision. Doctors wanted me to
have shots in my eye, but I refused. I was diagnosed with macular degeneration, a condition
where there is no central vision, only peripheral. The good news was I would not go blind!
Eighteenth Obstacle and Miracle
Walker Needed; Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis - Walked Around Restaurant
Buffet Table without Walker
I reached the point where I could no longer *walk. I needed to get a walker. Diane was
doing my housework. I was unable to help her. The Council on Aging provided me with the
“wheels.” Giving up was not a part of my agenda. I was able to serve myself at the Country
Buffet Restaurant without the use of my walker!
*walk-led physically and spiritually
My next doctor’s appointment was at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in
Worcester, Massachusetts, with my heart specialist, Doctor Cheseboro, a well-known heart
surgeon. I also was tested for spinal stenosis. Tests were positive. The news was devastating, at
first. However, that did not stop me. I continued to carry on with my life’s daily routines;
shopping and doing errands.
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Diane convinced me to re-visit Father McDonough. He prayed over me for my eyesight and
my ability to walk. Father laid hands on me, a sign of the Presence of the Holy Spirit. Relief
came immediately!
Nineteenth Obstacle and Miracle
Steadily Weakening Heart; Monitor Needed At Home - Heart Beats Normally;
Doctors Postpone Order For In-Home Medical Apparatus
My heart was weaker by the day. Diane and I made a repeated trip to the University of
Massachusetts Medical Center. Due to an ever-weakening “ticker,” the possibility of an in-home
monitor to check the beats-per-minute could be the next strategy of the medical team. A stress
test would be analyzed to confirm this necessity. I could tell by the expressions on the faces of
all concerned, the results did not appear favorable. When the medical team left the room, we
praised God, prayed the Our Father and Hail Mary. Doctor Cheseboro returned with excellent
news! My heart was beating normally. The stent was doing its job. I did not need the in-home
monitor. (Matthew 8 vs. 13 • And Jesus said to the Centurion, “You may go; as you have
believed.” “Let it be done for you.”)
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Twentieth Obstacle and Miracle
Minimal Walking; Loss of Enthusiasm - Father Tom De Lorenzo Lays Hands;
Prays in Tongues; Lucia Walks Without Walker
Diane spoke to me about visiting Father Tom De Lorenzo at the Holy Rosary Parish in
Winthrop, Massachusetts to pray for healing. I recall one particular time when we climbed the
steps of the rectory. I could not see much of anything. My back and legs were very painful. Just
as I was ready to give up hope and go home, I heard Father Tom call from the parlor, “Lucia,
come!” Then, he commanded me in the Name of the Lord, to come closer. I hesitated but
continued nevertheless. When I eventually entered the room, I found Father Tom reclining in a
chair, very limp and weak, *resting in the Lord. He told me to leave my walker and proceed
toward him.
I felt a relief! I took a detour into the kitchen. There was a wonderful aroma of Italian
cooking. (Psalms 48 vs. 13 • Go about Zion and walk around it.) (Matthew 9 vs. 2 • And the
people brought Him a paralytic. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Courage
Child.” “Your sins are forgiven.”) (Matthew 9 vs. 28, 29 • When He entered the house, the
blind man approached Him and He said to them, “Do you believe I can do this?” Then, He
touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done to you according to your faith.”)
Father Tom put his hands on my eyelids and spoke again in tongues (Matthew 9 vs. 18 •
Come lay your hands on her and she will live.) I felt a freedom that I have never felt before!
*resting – Giving self totally to the Lord, body, mind, soul and spirit
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Twenty-First Obstacle and Miracle
Demonic Obsession Returns Fourth Time - Father Ralph Diorio
Performs Exorcism in Latin and English
Many months later, the demonic attacks re-occurred. Diane suggested that we confer with
Father Ralph Diorio of the Worcester Archdiocese, Worcester, Massachusetts. He was
conducting a healing retreat in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. God worked through this priest very
powerfully. Further help was clearly necessary. He began to utter Words in Latin, then, in
English. I felt a certain presence leave me.
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THE DIRECTIVE
Fulfilling the Blessed Mother’s Request
One day while I was praying, the Blessed Mother appeared to me. She expressed these
words, “You will be well-known all over the world, if you tell your story about my Son and these
miraculous events. (Psalms 45 vs. 18 • I will make your name renowned throughout all
generations).
I was not sure how this would happen. Diane was willing to assist me in any way she could
to fulfill the Blessed Mother’s appeal. The answer was revealed. I would dictate my account and
have it published on the World Wide Web.
The End and Beginning
My health status was rapidly declining. I was rushed to the Faulkner Hospital, despite my
wishes. I preferred to go the University of Massachusetts Medical Center because all my doctors
were there. I was placed in the Cardiac Care Unit. My kidneys had failed. My life expectancy
was within the month. This medical report made me angry in the beginning. I soon apologized
and then started to cry. The hospital chaplain, a Catholic priest, dutifully heard my confession.
I spent my final days at Highgate Manor. Diane read the Bible to me, which brought great
comfort!
This world is a valley of tears. Praise God, it does not last! God has prepared for us a place
in Heaven beyond anyone’s expectations! How do I know this, you may ask? When I was near
death I saw my daughter sent from God. Anne Marie gave me a “tour” of Heaven. She
informed me, “Mom! They all know you here.” I believe this with my whole heart! Yet, I am
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grateful for all things in this world. I have no fear that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always with
me. (Psalms 48 vs. 8 • The Lord of Hosts is with us.)
He will be with you, if you believe! Every move of God for you is accounted for. Therefore,
we should live in this world without fear because we are fully protected!
With love to all,
Lucia Lo Presti