Prayer and Wonders

Windmill Healing

In the 1930s, Father Mina, not yet Pope Kyrillos, lived in a crumbling windmill on Mokattam mountain, a lonely spot near Old Cairo. It was no cozy home, with harsh desert challenges and wind howling through broken boards. One tale says robbers attacked, striking his head and leaving him bleeding. Father Mina’s faith stayed strong. Praying before an icon of Saint Mina the Wonderworker, his patron saint, one tale says, through St. Mina’s intercession, guided by Christ, the bleeding stopped, and strength returned. He walked a great distance to a doctor who marveled at his survival.

Coptic tradition says St. Mina’s intercession, guided by Christ, strengthened him that night. Father Mina didn’t curse the robbers or fear the dark—he prayed harder, thanking God for life. Another tale says, when thirst overwhelmed him, his prayers led a guard, inspired by a dream through St. Mina’s intercession, to bring water. These moments showed a monk who trusted God in the toughest times. For children, it’s a reminder: even when hurt or scared, prayer can be a shield. Coptic tradition shares this tale to teach faith’s healing power.

That windmill became a holy place because of Father Mina’s courage. His trust turned pain into praise. Tradition says, years later, as pope, he pointed to that icon, saying, “Saint Mina never leaves me.” These healings sparked hope for millions who called him their beloved patriarch.

Lesson 4 of 21

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